Chapter 7 - WHY PATRICIA DID IT
The fraud did not begin as a grand plan.
It began with a real problem.
The pipe damage exceeded insurance coverage in several places.
Upgraded flooring.
Electrical changes.
Mold-prevention work.
A new drainage system.
Grant wanted the house restored properly.
Patricia agreed.
They spent nearly $31,000 beyond reimbursed repair costs.
Then Grant’s bonus was smaller than expected.
Credit-card balances rose.
Patricia panicked.
Melissa said:
“Insurance companies underpay people all the time.”
Patricia replied:
“They already approved the hotel.”
Melissa said:
“Then keep the rooms open.”
The first extra invoice felt temporary.
The second felt justified.
The third became routine.
Patricia began thinking:
We’re only getting back what the damage cost us.
That was how fraud often worked.
Not with a villain saying:
I will steal.
May you like
With someone saying:
They owe me anyway.
