The Daughter They Abandoned Is the Doctor They Can't Reach novel · Chapter 11 of 24

Chapter 11: The Paper

Faye came to the shop on the Sunday after Christmas with a folded paper in her coat pocket and her chin set.

"He left it on the printer," she said. "I took a picture and put it back."

She spread her phone on the counter.

The page was one paragraph, with a signature line at the bottom and a notary stamp box beside it.

I read it aloud for Mabel, who was dusting the poetry shelf with her glasses on her nose.

"I, Faye M. Odell, acknowledge that I have received the full balance of my mother's estate, that all funds have been properly managed, and that I release my guardian from any further accounting."

Mabel put the duster down.

"He wants her to sign it at the party," I said. "In front of forty people. With a notary standing by the punch bowl."

"And I'd say yes," said Faye. "Because everybody would be watching and I'd feel like I was being rude."

"That's what he's counting on."

"I know." Her hands were quite steady. "I've been thinking about it all week. I'm not going to sign it."

"Good," Mabel said.

"I'm going to ask for the real one."

I looked at her.

"Once I'm eighteen, the bank officer will give me the full account history if I ask for it in person," she said. "My therapist helped me find out. I could go the Monday after my birthday, quietly, and Uncle Dennis would never see it coming."

"That would be the safest way."

"It would." She took a breath. "But he's been telling every relative for fourteen months that he took me in out of kindness. He gives a speech about it at every holiday. I want them all in the room when I say the number."

Nobody spoke.

"Faye," I said. "Are you sure?"

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