Chapter 4 - The Identity Theft
The room began to spin as Silas held up my stolen identification card.
My sister had not just borrowed my car to appease a violent criminal.
She had stolen my social security number, my driver's license, and my entire financial identity.
"You forged my signature," I whispered, the crushing realization stealing the breath from my lungs.
Silas casually placed his hands in his pockets, looking entirely amused by the family drama.
"The paperwork is flawless, and the notary was heavily compensated to look the other way," Silas bragged.
He explained that legally, I was now the sole debtor responsible for the half-million-dollar loan.
"If you go to the police, my highly paid lawyers will ensure Amelia goes to federal prison for wire fraud," Silas threatened.
Grandpa lowered his gun slightly, the sheer weight of the impossible situation finally wearing him down.
"What exactly do you want, Silas?" Grandpa asked, his voice losing its fierce edge.
"I want five hundred thousand dollars in untraceable cash by tomorrow night, or I take the house," Silas demanded.
He turned around, crunching heavily over the broken glass as he walked toward the gaping hole in the wall.
"Do not test me, old man," Silas warned without looking back.
A sleek black sedan pulled up onto our ruined lawn, and Silas climbed into the back seat before speeding away into the night.
Grandpa slowly engaged the safety on his revolver and placed it on a side table.
Mom and Ava crept cautiously out of the hallway, looking at the destroyed living room in absolute horror.
"Amelia, you have to help us," Mom pleaded, rushing forward to grab my hands.
I yanked my hands away as if her touch would burn my skin.
"You want me to help you after Ava stole my identity and framed me for a felony?" I shouted angrily.
Ava fell to her knees on the ruined carpet, sobbing uncontrollably.
"I didn't know he was going to do this, I swear!" she cried pathetic, useless tears.
"You are going to take the fall for this, Amelia, to protect your sister's future," Mom suddenly demanded with shocking cruelty.
I stared at the woman who birthed me, realizing she truly hated me.
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"I will absolutely not go to prison for her," I stated with finality.
Grandpa stepped between us, clutching his chest with a sudden, pained gasp.
