I had refused to file civil lawsuits for money, and I had left my father’s offered real estate deeds completely untouched.

Charles stayed shut away in Pinecrest Manor as his local political influence fell apart under federal scrutiny.

Toby looked up at me from the side of the oak table, his hands resting naturally at his sides.

“It’s completely finished now, Mom,” Toby whispered softly.

I pulled out a wooden chair for him and sat down in the chair next to his.

The solid stone arch in his painting stood squarely under the painted yellow sunlight.

Toby’s watercolor paint dried smoothly on the heavy white paper.