The Inventory Sheet
Chapter 12 - The Inventory Sheet
The bank called on Monday morning.
Claire and Ruth arrived before the doors officially opened.
The branch manager met them in a small conference room with a folder already on the table.
“I need to be clear,” she said. “This is an old file, and I cannot determine the legal effect of these documents. I can only tell you what our records show.”
Claire nodded.
Ruth did not move.
The access log showed that Walter entered box 319 twice after Ruth moved to Briar Hill.
The second visit was marked CLOSED BY AGENT.
Attached was an inventory sheet.
Cash: none.
Jewelry: one men’s wristwatch.
Property deed copy.
Insurance policies.
Sealed legal envelope marked MERCER FAMILY PARTNERSHIP / NORA.
Claire read the last line again.
Ruth made a sound that was almost a sob.
“He took it.”
The branch manager raised a hand gently. “The record shows the contents were released to Mr. Cole under the financial authorization then on file.”
“Do you have his signature?” Claire asked.
The manager turned a page.
There it was.
Walter Cole.
Claire felt anger rise so fast it made her lightheaded.
“Can we have copies?”
“With Ms. Mercer’s authorization, yes.”
Ruth signed immediately.
Outside the bank, Claire stood on the sidewalk holding the folder against her chest.
“This proves he had the envelope.”
“It proves he received it,” Ruth said.
“You’re defending him?”
“No. I’m trying not to make the mistake I made with your mother.”
Claire looked at her.
Ruth pulled her cardigan tighter around herself.
“I decided I knew everything. I stopped listening. It cost me my daughter.”
Claire’s anger softened by one degree.
They took the file to a legal-aid office downtown.
The attorney who met them was named Maya Singh, forty-three, brisk without being cold. She read for nearly an hour before speaking.
“This is complicated,” Maya said.
Claire almost laughed. “That seems to be the family motto.”
Maya tapped the bank record.
“The safe-deposit access helps. June’s testimony may help more. But the biggest issue is the power of attorney Walter used.”
“What about it?” Ruth asked.
“If he had broad authority, taking documents from the box may have been legal.”
Claire’s hope dropped.
Maya turned another page.
“But buying your business from you is different.”
She pointed to a clause in the old financial authorization.
The agent shall not transfer principal assets to himself, his relatives, or any entity under his control without independent valuation and written approval of counsel.
Claire leaned closer.
“Walter’s company bought the diner.”
“Yes.”
“For a dollar.”
“Yes.”
“Was there an appraisal?”
Maya looked at Ruth.
“Do you remember one?”
Ruth shook her head.
Maya closed the folder.
“Then we need the court file before Walter closes that sale.”
“When is the sale?”
Claire answered.
“Friday.”
May you like
Maya looked at the calendar.
They had four days.
