At exactly 9:00, two men knocked on the front door.
Vanessa answered.
One held a badge.
The other carried a red notice from the city.
The man with the badge was Officer Daniel Brooks from Seattle Police. Beside him stood Marcus Hale, a city code-compliance officer called after my attorney reported an immediate fire and occupancy concern.
Vanessa’s expression changed when she saw the red notice.
“This is private property,” she snapped.
I stepped beside her. “My property.”
That stopped her.
The deed had always remained in my name. Mom had lifetime use of the house, while I paid the mortgage, taxes, insurance, and major repairs. Vanessa knew that. She had simply counted on me being twelve time zones away.
Officer Brooks asked to speak with Mom alone. Vanessa immediately claimed Mom was confused.
“She has good days and bad days.”
From the basement, Mom called, “I know exactly what day it is.”
