Evidence Beneath The Numbers

Later that morning Nathaniel arrived at the hospital carrying a worn leather folder and the kind of patient expression that comes from years of dealing with complicated family disputes.

We sat in a quiet waiting area while nurses moved quietly past us.

“The freeze is legal,” he explained gently. “But if we move forward with a formal investigation, I’ll need a full explanation of what happened.”

I nodded.

“For three years my mother managed access to Lily’s medical account,” I said.

Nathaniel opened the folder and flipped through several printed statements.

“There are transfers to travel agencies, cosmetic clinics, and personal loan services,” he said slowly.

I closed my eyes briefly.

“She told me those were temporary reimbursements.”

He tapped a page thoughtfully.

“There are also several loans taken using the account as a reference.”

The realization tightened my stomach.

“Loans?”

“Yes,” he confirmed quietly.