“The deed is not in your name!” Danielle screamed, pointing at me. “Mom told me. Mom said you only rent this place and it belongs to the family trust!” The room went still. Dad turned slowly to Mom, who suddenly found her phone fascinating. The deputy raised an eyebrow, and I felt my stomach tighten. Then Mom whispered, “I told her what Mr. Garrison said.” I had never heard that name.

The deputy cleared his throat and held up a document. “Ma’am, this is the recorded deed. It lists you as sole owner, with a lien-free title.” He looked at Danielle. “Who told you otherwise?” Danielle’s face drained. Mom stammered that a man had called her last month, claiming I had mortgaged the villa, and had offered to buy it for the family. Before anyone could answer, my phone buzzed with a message from my lawyer: “Call me. It’s about Garrison.”