“Restraining order,” I said. “Harassment charges. Elder financial exploitation. And I want documentation of the false APS report.”
Sarah was quiet for a beat, then her voice turned sharp. “Eleanor,” she said, “this will get ugly.”
“He made it ugly,” I replied. “I’m finishing it.”
The counteroffensive was simple: remove his incentive and expose his methods.
Sarah filed. Mike documented. My management company tightened screening and security protocols. I installed new locks, new access systems, and a quiet camera setup that covered the driveway without turning my home into a fortress.
Brandon called at 6:47 p.m., voice raw with panic.
“What did you do?” he demanded.
“I protected myself,” I said. “And I documented your behavior.”
“You destroyed my business,” he snapped. “My credit—everything.”
“You’re describing consequences,” I replied. “Not sabotage.”
He went quiet, then smaller. “What do you want?”
Finally. Negotiation. Not demands.
“I want you gone,” I said. “No more calls. No more threats. No more showing up at my property. No contacting tenants. No speaking to agents, banks, anyone about my assets.”
“And if I don’t?” he asked.