I returned from deployment several weeks earlier than expected without telling anyone.
When I opened the door, Elise was wearing one of my old sweatshirts despite the heat. She had lost weight, and when I tried to hug her, she stepped back.
Then her sleeve slipped.
Her wrist was covered in bruises.
— Who did this to you?
She burst into tears.
— Your mother and Julien.
While I was away, my brother and mother had convinced her that I had probably died during the mission. Julien had even produced a forged power of attorney bearing my signature so he could take our house, my shares in the family company, and several accounts.
When Elise refused, they threatened her and eventually forced her to sign documents.
But Julien didn’t know our house had a second hidden surveillance system.
Eight months of recordings were still intact.
The videos clearly showed Julien threatening Elise while my mother blocked the door.
I saved every recording and called my commanding officer.
— We’re already investigating your brother, he told me. He has used forged military documents in other cases.
Hours later, police and military investigators arrived at the lake house, where Julien was already celebrating his supposed victory.
He was arrested in front of the entire family.
The documents were voided, our property was returned, and my mother was also charged for helping him.
A few months later, Elise and I sold the house.
As we handed over the final keys, she looked at me and smiled.
— Now we can really start again.
And this time, when I wrapped my arms around her, she didn’t step away.
