For years, Mom had been receiving a monthly payment intended for Owen’s medical and educational needs. Very little of it had actually been used for him. Bank records showed repeated transfers to Tyler for gambling apps, truck payments, and credit card debt.

I asked Daniel what options I had.

He helped me file a petition for temporary guardianship of Owen and a full accounting of the benefit money. Aunt Karen agreed to give him a stable home until the matter was resolved.

Mom showed up at the hearing furious.

“You left us with nothing,” she said in the hallway.

“No,” I answered. “I left you with everything you claimed you were paying for.”

Then Detective Nguyen stepped out of the courtroom holding an arrest warrant for Tyler.

Part 3

Tyler was arrested for attempted identity theft, forgery, and submitting fraudulent loan paperwork.

At first, Mom blamed me for everything.