Chapter 9 - Confrontation & Reckoning
Two days later, my father was moved to a private recovery room. At my request, a family meeting was convened in that quiet room, attended by my parents, Derek, Jennifer, myself, and my attorney Sarah Jenkins.
Sarah handed formal settlement documents to my father and Derek.
“This is a formal settlement agreement,” Sarah explained. “First, Derek Monroe will relinquish all claims and power of attorney over the remaining Monroe family trust and estate accounts. Second, Derek will execute a formal promissory note to repay $35,000 to Jacqueline Monroe over five years. Third, Jacqueline will decline to pursue criminal fraud charges regarding the unauthorized signature on the bank loan application.”
Jennifer gasped. “Criminal charges? You wouldn't put your own brother in prison!”
“Try me, Jennifer,” I said, looking at her with cold, unwavering eyes. “I have saved every text, every document, and every bank record.”
Derek looked at my father, hoping for an intervention.
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My father looked at the documents, tears welling in his eyes. “Sign it, Derek,” my father said quietly. “Jackie was right. We broke her. We took everything from her and demanded more.”
With trembling hands, Derek signed the paperwork.
