“I fabricated the neglect,” Helen said, her lips trembling. “I had Dr. Sterling write the reports. I told the court she was unfit to manage her affairs so I could gain conservatorship over the estate.”

The admission hung in the cold air of the room.

I felt a strange sense of emptiness, rather than victory.

For ten years, I had carried the weight of her lies, believing some part of me must have failed them.

“And the funds?” Vance asked.

“They were transferred to Michael’s accounts,” she whispered. “To pay off his debts and secure his promotion pathway.”

General Drummond stood up, his tall frame dominating the small office.

“Your son’s career is no longer your concern, Mrs. Rogers,” Drummond said.

I looked at the general, recognizing the hard line of his jaw.

“Agent Vance, please escort Mrs. Rogers to the holding area,” Drummond ordered. “The federal marshals are on their way to take custody.”

Helen stood up slowly, her knees shaking slightly under her designer skirt.

She didn’t look at me as the two investigators took her by the arms.