I texted back: “I have other plans.”
At Margaret’s office, I signed document after document. Power of attorney: revoked. New POA assigned to Patricia Winters, a professional fiduciary. Revocable living trust: created. Jennifer Patterson Mallerie removed as primary beneficiary pending further review.
“This is effective immediately,” Margaret confirmed.
I left her office feeling lighter than I had in days.
That night, at 7:45 p.m., my doorbell rang. I looked through the peephole. Jennifer and Derek stood on my porch. Derek was holding a bouquet of flowers. I didn’t open the door.
The doorbell rang again, then knocking.
“Mom, we know you’re home,” Jennifer called. “Your car is in the driveway.”
“Louisa, please,” Derek said, his voice smooth and concerned. “We just want to talk. We brought your favorite flowers.”
Carnations. I hated carnations. Derek would have known that if he’d ever paid attention.
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