Alvin pressed his palm flat against the hotel desk.
“She’s trying to get you to settle before the hearing.”
“I know that now.
I didn’t know it last night.” Carmen was quiet for a moment.
“She’s very good at it, Alvin.
She sounds like she means it.”
“I know she does.”
“I kept thinking — what if she’s right?
What if we fight and lose everything anyway?
What if the judge sides with Derek and we end up with nothing at all?”
“Mom.
Listen to me.”
“I’m listening.”
“We have the original deed.
We have the forged transfer.
We have Dad’s notes.
We have the bank records.
We have eight months of wire interceptions.” Alvin kept his voice steady.
“Inez has filed.
The hearing is tomorrow morning.
Veronica came to that shed because Derek is scared.”
Carmen was quiet.
“Are you scared?” Alvin asked.
“Yes.”
“That’s all right.
So is he.” Alvin stood up.
“Don’t sign anything.
Don’t let anyone into the shed.
If Veronica comes back, tell her you need to speak with me first.”
“What if Derek comes himself?”
“Same answer.”
Another silence.
Then: “Your father wants to know if you’re eating.”
Alvin almost laughed.
“Tell him yes.”
“He says to make sure it’s a real meal, not just coffee.”
“Tell him I’ll eat a real meal after Thursday.”
He ended the call and stood at the window.
The street below was ordinary — a school bus, a woman unlocking a flower shop, a man reading something on his phone outside a café.
Nobody looking up.
Nobody watching the hotel.
His own phone buzzed.
A number he didn’t recognize.
He answered.
“Mr.
Serrano.” A man’s voice.
Smooth, practiced.
“My name is Phillip Garrett.
I represent Derek Serrano and SGS Property Holdings.
I’d like to speak with you before tomorrow’s hearing, if you’re open to it.”
“I’m listening.”
“My client is prepared to offer a settlement.
Full restoration of residential access for your parents, a monthly allowance of twenty-five hundred dollars, and a release of any claims against the LLC structure.”
“In exchange for what?”
“Withdrawal of the deed challenge and a signed agreement that no further legal action will be taken.”
Alvin watched a pigeon land on the windowsill and then immediately leave.
