“I heard him through the window,” she said, her words rushing together.

“He said he’s going to take the house and sue you and make us leave before winter.”

“People say all kinds of things when they’re angry, Em,” I said.

“Can he really do that?” she asked.

“Can he take our house?”

“No, he can’t,” I said.

“He lives in that giant house,” she whispered, looking out toward the Caldwell driveway.

“And Mr.