Chapter 5: The Invalid Power

Richard’s face was a mixture of frustration and something close to desperation. His eyes scanned the room, searching for an escape, a way to regain control.

Then, his hand went to the inner pocket of his coat. He pulled out a folded document, slightly creased.

“This changes nothing, Eleanor,” Richard said, his voice regaining a fraction of its former bluster. He unfolded the paper dramatically. “Mother gave me sole decision-making power over the real estate years ago.”

He held up a Power of Attorney form. It bore a date from six years prior, 2018.

“This document,” Richard announced, “gives me the right to do whatever I need to with this property. Mother knew I was the responsible one. She wanted me to handle everything when she was gone.”

He looked around, as if challenging anyone to dispute him. Aunt Beatrice’s eyes, however, were still fixed on him with a new, wary expression. David stood by the kitchen counter, arms crossed, clearly unwilling to touch another lock.

“That document is irrelevant, Richard,” I said, my voice flat.

He scoffed. “Irrelevant? It’s a legal binding document signed by our mother!”

“It was,” I corrected him. I walked back to the safe, retrieved another, smaller envelope, and pulled out a single sheet of paper.

“This,” I said, holding up the new document, “is a certified notice from the county registrar’s office. Dated January 2018.”

Richard’s eyes narrowed. He took a step closer, trying to read the text from across the room.

“Your Power of Attorney,” I explained, “was voided by a court clerk. Six years ago, Richard. Due to unauthorized attempted loan applications made under Mother’s name.”

Richard’s face went white. He clutched the invalidated Power of Attorney form in his hand, his knuckles stark.

“What are you talking about?” he demanded, his voice thin. “That’s a lie.”

“The county records don’t lie, Richard,” I stated, holding up the registrar’s notice. “You attempted to take out a second mortgage on this house, using Mother’s name, while she was already quite ill. The bank flagged it, and the court voided your authority.”

Beatrice let out a small gasp. David shifted uncomfortably in the kitchen.

Richard stared at the paper in my hand, then at the form he held. The bluster had completely left him, replaced by a raw, naked panic. He slowly crumpled his Power of Attorney form into a tight ball.