“I will. But I wanted you both to know Claire and I are drawing a hard line. We’re not backing Mom’s version.”

That evening Daniel finally took his mother’s call. He started a second recorder on the counter and said so out loud.

“Mom, be advised I’m recording this conversation.”

Patricia scoffed. “I see Emma’s paranoia has finally taken you over.”

“No,” Daniel said, flat. “This is a defense mechanism you taught me.”

A pause. “What is that supposed to mean?”