At the bank, she learned that her authorization had been revoked. At work, she was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation.

A few weeks later, investigators went to her home to question her. Linda was staying in a modest motel at the time, preparing to move to North Carolina, where a former college classmate had offered her a room. Linda chose not to press charges but allowed the council and the court to continue their investigation.

On the day of the house sale, Megan watched from across the street as her mother talked with her lawyer.

“I was trying to protect you,” Megan said when she finally approached.

“And I was trying to outlive you,” Linda replied calmly.

Linda got in the car and left town with her new prepaid phone beside her, knowing that for the first time in years, every decision coming up would be entirely hers.