Rylan took a step backward, his eyes darting toward the stairs and then back to the officers.

“This is a misunderstanding,” Rylan said, his voice rising. “This is a civil matter. My wife and I are having a dispute over the property.”

He pointed a finger at me, his hand shaking slightly.

“She’s trying to use the police to kick me out of my own home,” he said.

“This isn’t about the residency, Mr. Vance,” Officer Briggs said.

He reached into his pocket and pulled out a sheet of paper.

“The state bank fraud division issued these warrants yesterday afternoon,” the officer said.

“You are accused of forging Calla Vance’s signature on a home equity line of credit valued at eighty-five thousand dollars.”

“That’s a lie,” Solene screamed, rushing forward. “My son would never do such a thing! He is a respected businessman!”

“Ma’am, I told you to step back,” Officer Miller said, his voice firm as he blocked her path.

I stood by the grandfather clock, my fingers tracing the carved mahogany wood to keep myself steady.