Her fingers trembled around the pen, but for the first time in many years, she was finally protecting herself.
The investigation uncovered that Garrick Stone had employed similar fr@udulent schemes involving other clients drowning in debt.
He forged powers of attorney, exaggerated illnesses affecting elderly relatives, and redirected money through privately controlled shell companies.
Authorities did not consider Spencer innocent either because he had forged official paperwork and cooperated with the corrupt attorney.
However, he surrendered business records, confessed to his wrongdoing, and helped expose the broader fr@ud.
With no previous criminal record and an agreement to provide full restitution, he received a favorable plea agreement involving probation, community service, court mandated therapy, and a strict repayment plan.
Abigail did not pay even one dollar toward the six hundred and eighty thousand debt.
The medical trust, however, covered every medical examination, costly medication, and continuing rehabilitation session he required.
For weeks, Spencer blamed her for hum!liating him throughout the community.
“You could have handled all of this privately instead of reporting me,” Spencer complained.
“And then you would have learned that forging my signature actually succeeds,” Abigail responded.
“I am your son, so you are supposed to protect me,” Spencer shouted.
“I am protecting you from turning into someone much worse,” Abigail replied gently.
Whenever he requested money for rent, his business, or credit cards, Abigail simply repeated the same firm boundary.
“Your healthcare is covered, but your bad choices are not,” she would tell him.
That simple sentence became an immovable boundary within her life.
On the day he was released from the hospital, Spencer assumed Abigail would drive him back to the expensive apartment where his rent was three months overdue.
She met him in the hospital parking lot carrying a bag of basic clothes and a list of realistic options.
“You may stay with me for six weeks while continuing your rehabilitation,” she explained while they walked. “However, you will follow established hours, contribute toward household costs once you begin working, and never use my address when applying for loans.”
Spencer ripped the paper straight in half. “Do I seriously need a list of strict rules now just to enter the home where I grew up?”
