Chapter 4 - Uncovering the Ledger
Three days passed in quiet isolation. I spent the time focusing on my work as an independent financial auditor, taking on extra contracts to keep my mind occupied.
On Thursday afternoon, I received a call from my uncle Brett—my mother’s brother, who had always kept his distance from the family drama.
"Kristen," Brett said without preamble. "I'm calling to apologize."
"You don't have to, Uncle Brett. You weren't the one who said those things."
"I sat there and said nothing," he replied quietly. "That makes me part of it. But that’s not the only reason I’m calling. I went over to your father’s house yesterday to help him sort out some paperwork. Kristen... do you know what Diane has been doing with the family trust?"
I paused, setting my pen down. My mother had left a modest trust fund intended for the grandchildren's education, administered jointly by Dad and Diane after Mom passed away six years ago. Because I had wanted to avoid conflict, I had never probed into the management of those accounts.
"What do you mean?" I asked.
"She’s been transferring funds," Brett said grimly. "Small amounts at first, but over the last two years, nearly $45,000 has been moved into an account registered under her business name. She told your father it was for 'reinvestment,' but I looked at the statements. It’s gone."
May you like
A cold clarity washed over me. The arrogance, the control, the constant effort to keep me away from Dad and the family accounts—it wasn't just personality; it was preservation.
"Send me the statements, Uncle Brett," I said. "All of them."
