“Case four two three eight B is dismissed with prejudice,” Judge Simmons declared, his gravelly voice filling every corner of the room.

“Full, unencumbered title to Cedar Lane remains solely with Commander Evelyn Carter.”

Judge Simmons picked up his heavy wooden gavel and brought it down hard on the oak block.

The sharp crack rang through the room, and my father sat completely still at the table.

The heavy oak doors swung shut behind us, cutting off the echo of the courtroom.

Margaret stood by the marble drinking fountain in the main hallway, her thumb and forefinger twirling her single strand of pearls.