Chapter 5 - A SIGNATURE FROM A DEAD WOMAN
Dr. Molina’s office was nearly empty when Andrés arrived.
The doctor locked the door behind him.
“You’re sure Renata doesn’t know you’re here?”
“She followed someone else tonight.”
Molina didn’t ask who.
That told Andrés enough.
The doctor removed a folder from his desk.
“I documented everything.”
He handed it over.
Teresa had been alert.
Oriented to time and place.
Able to identify family members.
No evidence of severe cognitive decline.
Blood pressure elevated.
Speech slowed.
Possible medication effect.
And one important note:
Patient reports daughter-in-law controls access to telephone and banking information.
Andrés looked up.
“You wrote this.”
“Yes.”
“What did you do about it?”
Molina’s face tightened.
“I confronted Renata privately.”
“And?”
“She cried. Said Teresa was paranoid.”
“You believed her?”
“For about five minutes.”
“What changed?”
“She asked me to write a letter declaring Teresa mentally incapacitated.”
“And you refused.”
“Yes.”
“Then what?”
Molina looked ashamed.
“I should have called authorities.”
“Why didn’t you?”
“Because my nephew asked me not to.”
Andrés leaned back.
“Mateo.”
The doctor nodded.
“He said Renata was under enormous stress and a report would ruin the family.”
“You knew they were involved?”
“Not then.”
“And now?”
Molina looked at the floor.
“I found out two weeks ago.”
Andrés stood.
“You let my mother stay in that house for two weeks?”
“I called.”
“Who?”
“Adult protective services.”
“When?”
“Three days ago.”
“Where are they?”
“They said they had to review the complaint.”
Andrés laughed without humor.
“Review.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Sorry doesn’t open doors.”
“No.”
Molina swallowed.
“But this might.”
He handed Andrés another envelope.
Inside was a photocopy of a notarized statement.
Teresa Robles had supposedly transferred limited property authority to Renata.
The notarization dated back five months.
Before Andrés left on deployment.
He examined the signature.
Forged again.
Then he noticed the notary.
Lic. Ernesto Valdés.
Andrés knew the name.
Valdés had been investigated for fraudulent property transfers years earlier.
Never convicted.
“Where did you get this?”
“Mateo left it in my office.”
“Why?”
“He wanted me to attach a medical certification.”
Andrés’s eyes narrowed.
“For a sale?”
“I think so.”
“What property?”
Molina hesitated.
“Your mother’s house.”
Andrés felt the same cold rage return.
“How much?”
“I don’t know.”
“My wife said it’s worth seven million.”
Molina sighed.
“That area? Closer to nine.”
Andrés stared at him.
Someone was about to make two million pesos simply by convincing an old woman she had lost her mind.
His phone vibrated.
Unknown number.
He answered.
“Captain Robles?”
“Yes.”
“This is Officer Salgado with Zapopan Municipal Police.”
Andrés frowned.
“Yes?”
“We received a domestic disturbance report from your residence.”
His blood chilled.
“When?”
“Ten minutes ago.”
“Who called?”
“Your wife.”
Andrés was already moving.
“What did she report?”
The officer paused.
Then said, “She claims your mother attacked her with a kitchen knife.”
Andrés ran to his truck.
He broke three traffic laws getting home.
Two patrol cars were outside.
Neighbors stood along the sidewalk.
Renata sat on the front steps crying.
This time, real tears.
There was blood on her forearm.
Teresa stood near the door between two officers.
Barefoot.
Terrified.
A kitchen knife lay in an evidence bag.
Andrés pushed through the crowd.
“Mom!”
Teresa turned.
“She cut herself.”
Renata sobbed.
“She tried to kill me!”
“No!” Teresa screamed.
Officer Salgado stepped between them.
“Captain, stop.”
Andrés froze.
Renata looked at him through wet lashes.
Perfect victim.
Perfect timing.
Perfect audience.
Then Salgado said the words Renata had clearly been waiting to hear.
“We’re taking Mrs. Robles for emergency psychiatric evaluation.”
Teresa began fighting.
“No! Andrés!”
Andrés moved toward her.
Three officers reacted at once.
He stopped.
Military instinct.
Control the scene.
Don’t become the scene.
Teresa looked straight at him as they guided her toward the patrol car.
Then she shouted something that made Renata suddenly stop crying.
“CHECK THE KNIFE HANDLE!”
Salgado glanced at the evidence bag.
Renata turned white.
Andrés saw it.
May you like
And smiled.
Because for the first time since he had come home, Renata looked afraid.
