My father testified in court, ‘at last, your shop and your van belong to your brother.’ My mother clapped and smiled. i stayed silent until the judge looked up and said…

twice whenever they weren’t watching.

Two days afterward, Dad phoned.

“Last chance,” he said. “Your mother says you can still apologize.”

“For what?”

“For humiliating your brother.”

Through the workshop glass, I watched a mechanic show an apprentice how to locate an electrical problem. My people had families, mortgages, and futures Tyler was prepared to jeopardize.

“No,” I said quietly. “I won’t apologize.”

Mom took over the call. “The judge will see what kind of daughter you are.”

“Then tell the truth when you get there.”

She laughed. “We will.”