The forklift driver, a man named Dale, gave me a quick nod before Ray started up again.

“I came about the deed,” I said.

“That’s all it is.”

Ray raised his voice another notch, not yelling, just loud enough.

“You walked out on this family at thirteen, Thomas, and now you’re back trying to steal your sister’s wedding spot.”

The man on the flatbed spat off to one side.

“That true?”

“It’s not,” I said.