Linda gasped.

Hannah put her face in her hands.

“The signatures of Mark Collins were forged,” the judge continued.

“Therefore, all documents, transfers, and authorizations signed under this purported power of attorney are hereby declared null and void.”

I felt my father’s hand grip my shoulder.

“Furthermore,” Judge Thomas said, looking directly at Linda and Hannah.

“The respondents, Linda Collins and Hannah Miller, are ordered to make full financial restitution to the petitioner for all funds withdrawn and assets liquidated.”

She shuffled a page of her notes.

“The exact amount of restitution will be determined by a court-appointed auditor, to be paid within sixty days of the final audit.”

“Your Honor,” their attorney started, standing up.

“Sit down, counselor,” Judge Thomas said.

Her tone left no room for argument.

“Because of the severity of the fraud and the attempt to falsely institutionalize the petitioner, I am referring this matter to the state attorney for criminal review.”

Linda clutched her pearl necklace, her mouth open in shock.

“In the interim,” the judge said, “both Linda Collins and Hannah Miller are placed on two years of supervised probation.”