David: Clara, fetch my mother a warm glass of water, please.
Clara: Right away, Mr. David.
Clara walked quickly toward the open kitchen area while David wheeled his mother's electric wheelchair closer to the sofa, away from Alexis.
Evelyn: Oh, David... I was so frightened before you walked through those double doors.
David: I know, Mom. I'm so sorry I stayed an extra day in Chicago for those contract negotiations.
Evelyn: If Clara hadn't been dusting the framed American flag on that wall, Alexis would have forced my hand onto that paper.
David: What did the document actually say, Mom?
Evelyn: It was a full medical power of attorney combined with an irrevocable land trust transfer.
David: She wanted to declare you mentally incapacitated so she could take control of your vote on the board of directors.
Alexis scoffed loudly, leaning against the marble kitchen counter as Clara returned with a crystal tumbler of water.
Alexis: She is mentally incapacitated! She forgets where she puts her reading glasses every single afternoon!
Clara: Forgetting reading glasses is normal aging, Alexis! It doesn't mean she can't manage her own family estate!
Alexis: I told you to keep your mouth shut, maid!
David: Step back from her, Alexis! One more insult toward Clara, and I'll have security drag you out to the gate right now!
Alexis: You're taking the word of a servant over your own sister who grew up in this mansion with you?!
David: This servant just protected my mother's life while my sister tried to steal her inheritance!
Clara: Here is your water, Mrs. Evelyn. Take a slow sip.
Evelyn: Thank you, sweet child. You have a good heart.
Clara: My mother raised me to respect our elders, Mrs. Evelyn. Especially those who cannot fight back.
David: Clara, did you catch the name of the notary who fled through the kitchen?
Clara: His brass name badge said Robert Thorne, sir. He had a small scar over his left eyebrow.
David: Robert Thorne... that's Alexis's personal bankruptcy attorney!
Alexis: He's a licensed notary in the state of Texas, David! There is nothing illegal about him witnessing a signature!
David: It is highly illegal when the signer is under physical duress and holding no legal capacity to execute a transfer without my presence as co-trustee!
The sound of heavy tires crunching against the gravel driveway echoed through the large living room windows.
Clara: That must be Mr. Vance and the sheriff, sir.
David: Let them in, Clara. Use the electronic gate release on the wall.
Alexis panicked, rushing toward the library doors near the back hallway.
David: Where do you think you're going, Alexis?
Alexis: I'm getting my handbag from the study!
David: Clara, don't let her touch the library safe!
Clara sprinted down the polished marble hallway, blocking the library double doors just as Alexis reached for the brass handle.
Alexis: Get out of my way, you stupid blonde idiot!
Clara: You're not going inside this study until the sheriff checks what's in that handbag, Alexis!
Alexis: I'm going to ruin your life for this, Clara!
Clara: You can try, but you won't break my resolve today!