“Furthermore,” Judge Brown continued, her eyes locked on the paper. “The notary listed here is a Marcus Vance. Mr. Bell, are you aware of Mr. Vance’s current status with the Department of Licensing?”
“I… I am not, Your Honor,” Bell admitted, his voice dropping.
“Mr. Vance’s license was revoked three months ago under suspicion of participating in a deed-theft ring in the south sound,” Judge Brown said, slamming the folder shut. The sound cracked through the courtroom like a gunshot. “This court will not be used as a tool to legitimize property theft. This hearing is adjourned, but this matter is far from over.”
She stood up, her robes swirling around her. “I am referring this entire file to the King County Prosecutor’s Office for an immediate felony forgery and grand theft investigation. Mr. and Mrs. Irving, I strongly suggest you retain criminal counsel. Court is dismissed.”
As the judge exited the bench, the room remained frozen. I stood at my table, watching the collapse of the golden child’s empire. Nicole turned toward the gallery, her eyes wild as she looked at our parents. My mother stood up, her hands fluttering to her mouth, while my father simply sat there, staring at the floor, finally realizing what his favorite daughter had done.
Chris stood up quickly, trying to grab his briefcase, but his hands were shaking so badly he dropped his pen. He looked at me across the aisle, the smugness completely gone, replaced by the stark, terrifying reality of a felony charge.
I picked up my blank pad and my folder, slipping them neatly into my briefcase. I didn’t say a word to them. I didn’t need to. The mountain house was still mine, and for the first time in thirty-two years, the truth was documented in black and white.
