Moreno,” the lawyer said, holding a paper folder in his left hand.

“My client is prepared to sign an immediate surrender of all property claims if you agree to sign this mercy petition.”

I looked past the lawyer’s shoulder at my brother.

Julian was staring at the marble floor, his jaw set tight, refusing to meet my eye.

“The bank fraud charge carries a mandatory minimum of three years,” the lawyer said, dropping his voice.

“A family statement noting previous mental stress could reduce that to home confinement.”