He said he had always tried to shield Joanne from instability.

He said Lucas had turned down help and chosen to live near her.

Part of that was partly true.

Lucas had refused some offers.

Patrick used the truth of those refusals to cover up the fear he had built around them.

When Lucas’s turn came, he spoke plainly, without drama.

“I did turn down help,” he said.

“Sometimes because I was scared.