HIS SON SERVED HIM DOG FOOD AT SEVENTY—THEN EVERY CARD IN THE HOUSE STOPPED WORKING
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Chapter 26 / 35
Chapter 26 - THE COURTROOM
Ernest wore the same olive-green polo beneath a dark jacket.
He did not dress to appear wealthy.
He did not need to.
The judge reviewed the financial records.
The attempted loan.
The recordings.
The birthday footage.
Louis pleaded guilty to elder financial exploitation and conspiracy.
Carla pleaded guilty to identity theft and fraud-related charges.
Both received probation, restitution orders, and periods of home confinement.
Carla also received a short jail sentence because she created the forged documents.
The judge told them:
“You treated dependence as permission.”
Ernest listened without satisfaction.
May you like
Justice did not feel like celebration.
It felt like a locked door finally closing.
