Instead he said, “You’re letting your mother put ideas in your head.”

Selena stood, carried her plate to the sink, and went upstairs.

I watched him finish his dinner.

In that moment I understood that protecting Selena’s education also meant protecting the part of her that still believed her father might tell the truth.

PART 9

Richard arranged a meeting with Gavin and his counsel the following Tuesday.

I brought the ledger, the account agreements, copies of the withdrawal confirmations, and a written proposal for repayment.

Gavin wore the gray jacket he used for important presentations.