Chapter 6: The Copy Victoria Didn't Know About
Gerald Marsh picked up on the second ring.
"I've been waiting for this call," he said, before Sarah had finished introducing herself.
"Edward told me someone might reach out.
I'm glad you did."
"You know what's happening?"
"I know what Edward told me.
And I know what I've seen in the filings." His voice was measured — the voice of someone who had spent decades in rooms where things went badly wrong and had learned not to show alarm.
"Ms.
Sarah, I want to be direct with you.
What Victoria has done is not just morally questionable.
Depending on how she obtained access to that line of credit and how she represented Edward's wishes to the court, it may constitute fraud."
Sarah's breath came out slowly.
"The petition."
"The petition lists Edward Hargrove as a consenting party to the custody arrangement.
There is a supporting declaration attached — signed, notarized — stating that Edward approved the filing and endorsed the temporary transfer of custody as being in the child's best interest." Marsh paused.
"Edward did not sign that declaration.
I have spoken with his physician.
At the time that declaration was notarized, Edward had already experienced significant cognitive impairment from the first stroke.
He was not legally competent to sign binding documents."
The room tilted again.
Sarah put one hand on the table.
"Someone forged his consent," she said.
"Someone obtained his signature under circumstances that will not survive scrutiny." Marsh's voice stayed even.
"Which is why the original 2019 estate documents matter.
Victoria believes she has removed the only copy.
She is wrong.
Edward gave me a sealed duplicate in January of last year.
He told me — and I am quoting directly — 'Keep this somewhere Victoria cannot reach.' I did."
Ellen had stopped typing.
She was watching Sarah's face.
"What does the 2019 document say?" Sarah asked.
"It says several things.
The relevant provision for your situation is this: in the event that Victor Hargrove enters into any legal proceeding that materially affects the welfare of his minor child, and in the event that Edward Hargrove is unable to act in his own capacity, the estate's designated family advocate — that is me — is authorized to intervene on behalf of the child's primary caregiver." Marsh paused.
"You are named.
By name.
Sarah Louise Hargrove, née Callahan.
Edward put your name in that document three years ago."
Sarah sat down.
She hadn't realized she was still standing.
"He knew," she said.
"He knew something like this might happen."
"He knew his daughter," Marsh said simply.
"Now.
I need you to do something for me.
I need you to come to my office today.
Bring any documentation you have — the court order, any communications from Victor or Victoria, anything in writing.
I am going to file an emergency motion to stay the temporary custody order on the grounds of fraudulent misrepresentation to the court.
If the judge sees what I'm going to show her, that order will not survive the week."
"And Noah?"
"If the stay is granted, the temporary order is suspended.
He comes home to you while the full hearing is prepared." A pause.
"I cannot promise the stay will be granted.
But I can promise that what Victoria filed will not look the way she intended it to look once I am finished."
Sarah stood up again.
Her hands had stopped shaking.
"I'll be there in an hour," she said.
She ended the call.
Ellen was already standing, keys in hand.
"I'm coming with you," Ellen said.
"You don't have to—"
"I know I don't have to." Ellen picked up her bag.
"Let's go."
They were halfway to the door when Sarah's phone rang.
Victor's name on the screen.
She answered it.
"Sarah." His voice was different.
Lower.
Something underneath it she hadn't heard before.
"Where are you?"
"Why?"
A long pause.
"Victoria is saying things," he said slowly.
"Things about the papers.
About what she told me you agreed to." Another pause.
"Sarah.
Did you sign anything?
Did you ever agree to any of this?"
She stopped walking.
"Victor," she said carefully.
"What exactly did Victoria tell you I agreed to?"
May you like
The silence on the other end of the line lasted long enough that Ellen looked over at her.
Then Victor said, very quietly, "She told me you signed a voluntary relinquishment."
