We Lost Our Parents, But He Hasn't Lost Me

Chapter 2: The File No One Wanted Opened

The woman who entered the courtroom was named Laura Hayes.

She worked at the county insurance office, and she looked terrified to be there. Her hair was messy, her coat was half-buttoned, and her hands shook as she held up the folder.

The judge lowered the gavel slowly.

"Who are you?" he asked.

Laura stepped forward. "I process accident claims. I reviewed the Miller family file."

Ryan's aunt stood quickly. "This is inappropriate."

The judge looked at her. "Sit down."

She sat.

Laura opened the folder. "After the parents died, a life insurance payment was scheduled. The beneficiary was originally listed as both children, Ryan and Ben Miller. But two days after the accident, someone submitted a change request."

The courtroom shifted.

Ryan looked at his aunt.

She would not meet his eyes.

Laura continued, "The request tried to move control of the funds to their aunt, Patricia Miller, under emergency guardianship."

Patricia's lawyer stood. "That is standard procedure."

Laura looked at him. "Not when the signature is forged."

The room went silent again.

Ryan felt Ben's small fingers tighten around his shirt.

The judge leaned forward. "Are you certain?"

"Yes, Your Honor. The father’s signature was copied from an older bank document. The date on the form is after his death."

Patricia's face turned white.

Ryan whispered, "I knew it."

The judge heard him. "You knew?"

Ryan nodded, tears finally slipping down his face. "Mom told me before she died. She said if anything happened to them, never let Aunt Patricia take Ben alone."

The lawyer frowned. "That is hearsay."

Ryan looked at him. "She left a message."

The judge sat still. "What message?"

Ryan reached into his pocket and pulled out an old phone with a cracked screen.

"I was scared to play it," he said. "Because if I did, it meant they were really gone."

The judge nodded gently.

"Play it."

Ryan pressed the screen.

His mother's voice filled the courtroom.

And the first words made Patricia stand up in panic.

"Ryan, listen to me carefully. The crash was not an accident."