Chapter 6 - THE SIGNATURE
The document was a transfer authorization bearing their mother's name. It claimed she had approved the movement of the studio property into a holding company.
Nora read the date again.
Her mother had been dead for six months.
Lena stood behind her, one hand over her mouth.
“Can someone sign for a dead person?” she whispered.
“Not lawfully,” Evelyn said. “But we need to know how this document entered the registry and whether it was accepted as genuine. I've asked for the underlying filing records.”
Nora could barely hear her.
The studio had been more than a building. It was the place their mother had built from nothing after leaving a difficult marriage. She had painted the blue door herself. She had worked there until the week she became ill.
Julian had known how much it meant to them.
He had helped carry the boxes out.
“He told me the sale was necessary,” Nora said.
Evelyn closed the folder.
“I'm sorry. But we need to stay with what we can prove. We'll request the estate file, the transfer documents, and the records of the holding company.”
The next morning, Nora made a formal report about the assault. She provided the clinic's medical note, her account of what happened, and the contact details for the Halcyon's security team. She also told the officer about the threats involving Lena's employment.
The officer explained the process and gave her a reference number. There was no dramatic arrest. There were forms, questions, and a reminder to report any further contact.
Nora found the ordinary procedure strangely reassuring.
That evening, Julian called from a blocked number.
She did not answer.
A voicemail arrived seconds later.
“Nora, this has gone too far. You're letting strangers turn you against me. We can fix the foundation paperwork. We can fix the building. Just come home and talk to me.”
She played it once for Evelyn, then saved it.
Lena was furious.
“He admits there is something to fix.”
“He doesn't admit what he did,” Nora replied.
“It's enough to show he knows about the documents.”
Evelyn agreed that the message should be preserved, but warned them not to treat it as proof of forgery.
A second message arrived that night.
I know where you are. Don't make me come find you.
This time, Nora's hands did not shake.
May you like
She forwarded it to the officer and the attorney.
Then she blocked the number.
