Family Landlords Raise the Rent to Force One Sister Out
At the bottom of the page, on the line for the current tenant’s signature, my name was written in a tight, slanted hand. It was a neat imitation, but the loops on the letters were too round. It was my mother’s handwriting.
Arthur leaned forward, his thumb stopping its movement on his key fob. He picked up the photocopy and held it under the light of the chandelier.
“Helen,” Arthur said, his voice dropping even lower. “Is this your writing?”
“It was an administrative detail, Arthur,” Helen said, her voice rising in a sharp defense. “The bills had to be moved. Lauren was being difficult, as usual. It is not a big deal.”
“It is forgery, Helen,” Arthur said.
The room went completely quiet. Vanessa shifted her weight, her boots squeaking on the hardwood floor, but she did not say a word.
“I have already spoken to the utility company,” I said, my voice steady. “They have placed a hold on the account. If you attempt to file any claim against me for the appliances or the lease, I will hand this document to the county clerk tomorrow morning.”
