Part 2: The Forged Deed
Julian’s glass slipped in his hand. Scotch splashed on the porch.
He said, I don’t know what you’re talking about.
The detective stepped forward. Detective Rosa Chen.
She said, Sir, we pulled the county records this afternoon. A deed was recorded in July. Transferring ownership from Natalie Brooks to Khloe Reyes.
She said, The notary’s stamp belongs to a woman who says she’s never met Ms. Brooks. She says you paid her two hundred dollars to stamp it.
She said, Forging a deed is a felony in Texas.
Behind Julian, the party had gone quiet. Guests were standing in the doorway. Staring.
Khloe pushed through them. She said, What’s going on?
Then she saw me. And the deputy. And the detective.
Julian said, quietly, Go inside, Khloe.
Detective Chen said, Ma’am, we’ll need to speak with you too. Your name is on the deed.
Khloe went white.
Harrison handed Julian a second paper.
He said, This is a written notice to vacate. Ms. Brooks is the legal owner. The forged deed will be voided by the court.
He said, You have three days. If you don’t leave, we’ll file for eviction. And the judge will see this deed.
The detective asked Julian to come to the station. To answer questions. He went. Still in his robe.
The guests left. One by one. Quietly.
Khloe stood on the porch. Alone.
She looked at me. She said, You did this. In one night.
I said, Julian did this. Three months ago.
I went back to the hotel. Mom was asleep. A nurse had wrapped her knees.
At midnight, my phone rang. Khloe.
She was crying. She said, Natalie, I didn’t know about the deed. I swear.
What happened next changed everything… FULL STORY on the next page.
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