Chapter 3 - Julian’s Arrival
With my mother safely out of the house and under armed private security at the hospital, the energy in the house shifted. Elena spent the afternoon cleaning, playing music, and acting like a woman who had just shed a massive burden. I spent the time in my home office, pretending to review my international bank accounts while actually coordinating the perimeter layout with Inspector Vance’s tactical team over an encrypted chat.
At 5:30 PM, the doorbell rang. I heard Elena’s high-pitched, excited greeting, followed by the heavy, confident footsteps of her cousin, Julian.
I walked out to the foyer to greet him. Julian was a tall, broad-shouldered man who wore expensive suits paid for by someone else’s labor. He had always treated me with a subtle, underlying condescension—viewing me as the quiet, tech-obsessed provider who stayed out of sight while he and Elena enjoyed the perks of my income.
“Marcus! Look at you, man!” Julian boomed, grabbing my hand for an overly aggressive handshake. “Four years in the desert! You look good, buddy. Welcome home.”
“Thanks, Julian,” I said, letting my hand go limp in his grip. “Good to be back.”
“I heard you sent the old lady off for some tests today,” he said, following us into the living room where Elena was already opening a bottle of wine. “Smart move. Honestly, man, Elena has been a saint dealing with her. The dementia has turned her into a complete burden. Getting this house sold and moving her into a state ward is the best thing for everyone.”
A state ward. My blood boiled, but my face remained carved from stone. Elena had told me they were looking at luxury assisted-living communities. They were planning to dump the woman who raised me into the cheapest government facility available while they pocketed the equity from my family home.
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“I appreciate everything you’ve both done,” I said, taking a glass of wine from Elena and setting it untouched on the side table. “Why don’t we sit down at the dining table? I want to see these transfer documents.”
Julian grinned, exchanging a quick, triumphant look with my wife. He unzipped his leather briefcase and pulled out a thick stack of legal papers. “Right down to business! I like it. Let’s get you signed, sealed, and delivered, my friend.”
