“She’s stealing my inheritance!” Julian screamed, his voice booming off the sanctuary walls.

“That key belongs to me!”

Aunt Clara gasped behind me and reached for the wooden pew railing to steady herself.

“Let go of my wrist, Julian,” I said, leaning back toward the wooden bench.

He squeezed harder, digging his thumbs into the bone until my fingers went numb.

“Give me the key!” he shouted, jerking my arm again.

I pulled my wrist back with one sharp, sudden jerk.

When I pulled back, Julian’s right fist struck my face with full force.