Chapter 12 - THE DEAD MAN’S SIGNATURE
Grant Mercer had used Raymond’s identity to create a shell company called Price Holdings.
That company claimed Walter had sold his mineral rights eleven years earlier. The forged deed had been backdated, then quietly entered into the county system by a clerk working under Judge Bell’s nephew.
Mercer was no longer trying to take Walter’s land through guardianship.
He was claiming the valuable part had never belonged to Walter at all.
A court hearing was scheduled within forty-eight hours. If the judge validated the old deed, Mercer could begin extraction negotiations while the criminal investigation remained incomplete.
Mara wanted Walter to stay home.
Walter put on his best navy suit.
“They called me confused when I objected. Then they called me violent when I resisted. Now they’re going to call me dishonest because I survived.”
“You don’t need to prove anything to them,” Mara said.
“I’m not going for them.”
He touched the bruise still fading near his collar.
“I’m going for every person who signed something while drugged and was told their memory was the problem.”
At the hearing, Mercer appeared with three attorneys and no visible concern.
Judge Bell entered five minutes late.
Alicia Price was prepared to testify remotely, but the court’s video connection repeatedly failed. Bell announced that he would proceed without her.
Mara stood.
“Your Honor, the witness has evidence that the deed was fabricated.”
Bell stared at her. “You are neither counsel nor a party.”
Walter rose beside her.
“Then hear it from the party.”
Mercer’s attorney objected.
Walter placed Raymond’s ledger on the table.
Judge Bell’s expression changed before he could stop it.
Mara saw the fear.
So did everyone else.
May you like
Bell ordered the courtroom cleared.
No one moved.
