Chapter 2: Something You Should Have Checked
Lennox didn't raise her voice.
That was the frightening part.
"Bessie," she said slowly, "you might want to reconsider.
Because I've already spoken to a lawyer."
The room went completely still.
"A lawyer," I repeated.
"You contributed $40,000 toward that house." She smiled without warmth.
"My attorney believes that creates a legal claim — against you.
Something about an undocumented gift versus an undocumented loan.
It could get messy."
My hands went cold.
Terrence shot to his feet.
"Lennox, stop—"
"I'm protecting us," she said calmly, not even glancing at him.
I looked at my son.
He wouldn't meet my eyes.
That told me everything.
"You knew about this," I said quietly.
He said nothing.
His silence was the answer.
Lennox leaned back, satisfied.
"We're not asking for much, Bessie.
Just a few months.
Think of it as keeping things simple — for everyone."
I stood slowly, walked to my desk, and opened the top drawer.
Inside was a folder I hadn't touched in three years.
Lennox watched me, her confidence flickering for just one second.
"What is that?" she asked.
May you like
I looked at her carefully before answering.
"Something you should have checked before you called your lawyer."
