Chapter 6 - The Grift is Up
Eleanor handed a stack of certified financial documents, tax transcripts, and property deeds to the bailiff, who passed them to the judge.
As the judge flipped through the pages, her expression went from neutral to deeply unimpressed.
"According to these records," the judge said, looking directly at Evelyn, "you are the beneficial owner of two residential properties in Georgia, yielding an undeclared cash income of over six thousand dollars a month. You also received a lump-sum settlement of three hundred thousand dollars from your late husband’s estate three years ago—none of which was declared on your petition for public support."
Evelyn’s lawyer went completely still. He turned to look at his client, his jaw slack. "Mrs. Harlan... is this true?"
"It... it was a gift for my daughter!" Evelyn stammered, her face turning a bright, frantic red. "That money belongs to Kimberly's baby! It doesn't count!"
"It absolutely counts, Mrs. Harlan," the judge said, her voice dropping to a dangerous, icy tone. "You have committed perjury in my courtroom. You have filed a frivolous lawsuit to extort money from your son and daughter-in-law, and you have actively engaged in tax evasion."
The judge slammed her gavel down with a resounding crack.
"This petition for filial support is dismissed with prejudice. Furthermore, I am forwarding these financial records to the State Department of Revenue for a full audit. Additionally, based on the evidence of forgery submitted by the defense, a warrant will be issued for your arrest regarding the fraudulent co-signing of the vehicle loan."
Kimberly let out a loud gasp, clutching her stomach as she realized her own name was listed on the fraudulent loan application.
"No! Lucas, save me!" Evelyn screamed as two bailiffs stepped forward, instructing her to stand up and place her hands behind her back. "You can't let them arrest me! I'm your mother!"
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Lucas stood up, holding my hand tightly in his. He looked at his mother, his expression filled with a quiet, final peace.
"You were my mother, Evelyn," Lucas said. "But today, I am just a father protecting his child. Goodbye."
