Chapter 13 - THE CHARGES
The district attorney filed charges three months later.
Brian and Melissa were accused of attempted financial exploitation, forgery, conspiracy, unauthorized computer access, and filing false medical evidence.
Dr. Cole faced professional discipline and separate legal consequences.
The four-million-dollar loan had not been completed.
The life-insurance change had been stopped.
No money was permanently lost.
Their attorneys argued that family misunderstandings should not become criminal cases.
Claire answered simply.
“A forged signature does not become authentic because the person holding the pen is related to the victim.”
Brian requested a private meeting.
It took place inside Claire’s office.
No cameras.
No Melissa.
He looked thinner.
His expensive haircut had grown out.
“I did not think the loan would hurt you,” he said.
“You placed my home at risk.”
“The business would have repaid it.”
“Your business had no revenue capable of repaying four million dollars.”
“Melissa said the exposure from our channel would create growth.”
“You borrowed against a house your mother and I spent forty years paying for.”
He covered his face.
“I was desperate.”
“For what?”
“To keep everything looking the same.”
There it was.
Not wealth.
Appearance.
Brian’s friends believed he owned the house.
Investors believed his company occupied an expensive office because it was successful.
Melissa’s followers believed they earned their lifestyle.
Every month required more money to maintain the lie.
“Why the dog bowl?” I asked.
He lowered his hands.
“Melissa said the video needed a strong opening.”
“You agreed.”
“Yes.”
“Did you believe I was a freeloader?”
“No.”
“Then why say it?”
“Because everyone else believed the house was mine.”
I looked at him.
“You humiliated me to protect a lie told to strangers.”
Tears filled his eyes.
May you like
“Yes.”
It was the first complete truth he had given me.
