“They have a warrant, Mason,” I said calmly.

“You have to tell them it was a mistake!” he stammered, his words coming in a panic-stricken rush. “She only did it because she thought you’d come around! She thought once the tuition was paid, you’d see that it was for the good of the family! If she gets arrested, I lose my spot in the program! My whole career is over before it even starts!”

I took a deep breath, looking down at my cast. “Did you know she forged my signature, Mason?”

He hesitated. That split-second silence was all the answer I needed.

“She told me you agreed to help,” he stammered, trying to backtrack. “She said you guys talked about it!”

“I told both of you no,” I said firmly. “And instead of respecting that, you watched her steal my home and stood by while she shoved me down the stairs. You aren’t a victim here, Mason. You were an accomplice to your own sister’s ruin.”

“Claire, please—”

“Do not call me again,” I said clearly. “Any further communication will go through my attorney.”

I disconnected the line.

Within the hour, the local news broadcast updated their lead story. A patrol unit from the Columbus Police Department had escorted Evelyn Bennett out of her home in handcuffs, charging her with grand theft, forgery, identity fraud, and felony assault. Because of the clear video evidence and the financial trail, bail was set high.