“Richard, you are not helping them take this house apart,” Linda said, her voice rising into an urgent command.

“We built this home together, and you’re taking their side against me.”

Richard looked down at the hex wrench in his right hand.

He reached into his trouser pocket with his left hand, took out his cell phone, and held the power button until the screen went dark.

He laid the dead phone face down on the hallway console table before looking up at his wife.

“They’re taking what belongs to their son,” Richard said in his low voice.