Chapter 8 - THE NOTARY WHO VANISHED
The document Grant Mercer carried was a mineral-rights transfer witnessed by a notary named Alicia Price.
According to state records, Alicia had notarized seventeen emergency guardianship documents in two years. Eleven involved elderly homeowners. Eight properties had later been sold to companies connected to Mercer.
Mara called the number listed on Alicia’s license.
Disconnected.
Her apartment had been emptied three days after Denise’s arrest.
Investigator Lena Brooks from the county elder-abuse unit joined Mara at Walter’s kitchen table.
“This isn’t one family exploiting one old man,” Lena said. “This is a system.”
Walter listened as they outlined the pattern. A financially desperate relative would be approached by Mercer. A caregiver would begin documenting confusion. Medication would create the symptoms. Alicia would notarize financial authority. A cooperating attorney would request guardianship.
The properties would then be transferred or sold.
“How many people lost their homes?” Walter asked.
“At least eight that we can prove.”
“And nobody noticed?”
Lena’s expression hardened. “People noticed pieces. Doctors noticed missed appointments. Neighbors noticed relatives disappearing. Police noticed family disputes. Nobody placed the pieces on the same table.”
Evan entered carrying groceries and stopped when he saw the records.
Mara pushed Alicia’s photograph toward him.
“Did you meet her?”
“No.”
“Think carefully.”
He stared at the picture.
Then his breathing changed.
“She came to my office once. Grant introduced her as a loan processor.”
“When?”
“The morning after Dad signed the papers.”
Walter rose so quickly that his chair scraped backward.
“You watched them take my land?”
“I didn’t understand what she was doing.”
Walter’s voice dropped.
“You have used that sentence too many times.”
Evan closed his eyes.
“I know.”
Mara’s phone rang.
It was Alicia Price.
May you like
She spoke only six words before the call disconnected.
“They know where your father lives.”
