«The language is all wrong, and the signature, while similar, would never stand up to expert analysis. But the fact that she created this at all is deeply troubling.» I showed him the documents from the safety deposit box: the medical records confirming Adam’s vasectomy, the legitimate will, and Adam’s journal documenting Cassandra’s behavior over the years.
«Adam was nothing if not thorough,» James said, reviewing the materials. «These medical records alone disprove her claim about Lucas’s paternity. The vasectomy was performed two years before the child was conceived.»
«It is biologically impossible for Adam to be the father. What should I do?» I asked. «I do not want to humiliate her publicly, but I cannot let her take half of our home based on a lie.»
James leaned back in his chair, considering. «First, we need more information. I recommend hiring a private investigator to look into Cassandra’s current situation.»
«There is likely a motivation beyond simple cruelty here. People rarely attempt fraud of this nature without financial pressure.» He recommended Frank Delaney, a former police detective who now worked as a private investigator, often on cases for the firm.
I agreed, and James made the call immediately, explaining the situation in broad strokes. Frank arrived an hour later, a stocky man with a Boston accent and a no-nonsense attitude. He took detailed notes as I explained the situation, asking pointed questions about Cassandra’s relationship history, employment, and financial status.
I realized how little I actually knew about my sister’s current circumstances. We had grown further apart since Lucas’s birth, with my attempts to be involved as an aunt often rebuffed or taken for granted. «I will need a few days,» Frank said when I had finished.
«My preliminary focus will be on her financial situation and relationship with the child’s actual father. Is there anything else you can tell me about him?» I shared what little I knew about Tyler, the bartender Cassandra had been dating when she became pregnant. I had only met him a handful of times, and he had seemed uninterested in family gatherings.
«Last I heard, they were still together, but she rarely mentions him anymore,» I said. «He was not at the party yesterday, which I thought was strange for the father of the birthday boy.» Frank nodded, making another note.
«That is a good starting point. I will be in touch soon.» Three days later, Frank called, requesting a meeting at James’s office.
When I arrived, both men were reviewing documents spread across the conference table. «Mrs. Preston,» Frank began once we were seated. «I have uncovered some concerning information about your sister’s situation.»
According to his investigation, Cassandra was in dire financial straits. She had accumulated over $75,000 in debt, spread across credit cards, personal loans, and medical bills for Lucas, who had needed surgery for a heart defect shortly after birth. Her credit score was abysmal, and she had been rejected for three additional loans in the past month alone.
«She is also facing eviction,» Frank continued, sliding a document across the table. «This is a copy of the notice her landlord filed last week. She has until the end of the month to pay four months of back rent or vacate the property.»
As for Tyler, he had apparently abandoned Cassandra and Lucas shortly after the birth, moving to Seattle with a new girlfriend. He was paying minimal child support, barely $200 a month, and even that irregularly. «I also found these,» Frank said, producing printouts of text messages.
«She has been telling friends about her plans to claim part of your house for weeks. These are messages between her and a friend named Jenna.» I recognized the name as the woman who had opened the door at the party.
The messages were damning. «Adam’s death is terrible, but maybe it’s finally my chance to get what I deserve. That house is worth at least 800k now.»
«If I play this right, I’ll have a nice nest egg for Lucas and me. The will is almost ready. My friend Dave is good with Photoshop and found a sample of Adam’s signature online from some charity auction.»
«It looks totally legit. Bridget has always been the golden child. Time for me to get my share.»
«She got 11 years with a great guy. The least she can do is share the wealth now that he’s gone.» I felt physically ill reading the calculated coldness of my sister’s words.
