“Doesn’t matter. Memory is unreliable, and people can be nudged into believing they saw things that never happened, especially if they think they’re helping a concerned family member.”
Patricia pulled out another document.
“Margaret, I’m going to recommend something that might sound extreme, but given the circumstances, I think it’s necessary.”
“I’m listening.”
“I want you to undergo a comprehensive psychological evaluation. Not because I think you need one, but because I want ironclad documentation of your mental competency before they can muddy the waters any further.”
“How long will that take?”
“Dr. Sarah Chen can see you tomorrow. She specializes in competency evaluations, and her reports hold up in court.”
“Schedule it.”
I didn’t hesitate.
“And Patricia, I want you to start documenting everything. Every threat. Every attempt at manipulation. Every lie they tell. When this goes to court—and it will go to court—I want to be ready.”
“Margaret, you need to understand something. If Derek really is in debt to dangerous people, this situation could escalate beyond legal maneuvering.”
“Then I better make sure I’m prepared for whatever comes next.”
That evening, I sat on my front porch with Joe’s old shotgun across my lap, something I hadn’t done since the coyotes were getting into the chicken coop five years earlier. The irony wasn’t lost on me, protecting myself from my own family instead of wild animals.
My phone buzzed with another text from Derek.
Mom, we need to talk. This has gotten out of hand. Can I come over?
I stared at the screen for a long moment before replying.
No. Any further communication goes through my lawyer.
The response came immediately.
You’re making a big mistake.
I looked out over what used to be my farmland, now marked with survey stakes and Future Home of Highland Meadows signs, and smiled grimly.
“No, Derek,” I said aloud to the empty night. “The mistake was yours when you decided to threaten your mother.”
Because at sixty-eight, I had learned that sometimes the best defense is a good offense.
And I was about to go on the attack.
The psychological evaluation confirmed what I already knew. I was as sharp as a tack and twice as ornery. Dr. Chen’s report read like a glowing recommendation.
Patient demonstrates excellent cognitive function, clear reasoning ability, and appropriate judgment in all assessed areas.
“Your son isn’t going to like this,” Patricia warned as she reviewed the results in her office Friday morning.
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