We visited my dad again over the weekend. We arrived late Thursday evening. Friday morning, we bought a McDonald's 'Big Breakfast' and took it to my dad. He was surprised to see us, but really appreciated the meal. After visiting for a little while, we asked what he would like for lunch -- Captain D's 'Two piece fish dinner'. We had some time before lunch, so Susan and I did a little shopping. At Noon, we picked up the meal my dad requested and went back for another visit. There was a reason behind us getting his favorite meals that day...
Around 1:20pm, the detective arrived. I talked to him for a few minutes, then escorted him back to the hallway just outside my dad's room. I went inside and said 'Dad, we found evidence that the yard man has been taking advantage of you. We took the evidence to the police, and they think they may be able to recover some of your money. Would you be willing to talk to a detective?' We were all surprised when my dad said 'OK'. The detective asked questions for about 15 minutes, and my dad allowed us to stay in the room. It was odd that my dad had no reaction when the detective mentioned how much money my dad had given the yard man over the last four years -- over $500,000. My dad is exceptionally tight-fisted with money.
Perhaps the oddest reaction was when the detective asked about a particular vehicle my dad bought about two years ago. My dad said the yard man had nothing to do with that vehicle. The next day we sent a copy of the vehicle title to the detective, it had the yard man's name on it. The VIN on the dash is unreadable. For some reason, my dad appears to be trying to cover for this thief.
Friday evening I spent 4 hours mowing my dad's yard with a push mower. It hadn't been mowed in three weeks. The temps were in the mid-90's. It wasn't a pleasant experience.
We visited my dad again on Saturday, and he mentioned the yard man occasionally stored new equipment at his house. Apparently, the yard man was concerned someone may steal it if he took it home. It sounds more like the yard man was storing stolen equipment at my dad's house. I think this could get ugly.
Love always -- Jessica Rose