I was taking one deliberate step away from people who had made every other door feel locked.

Before we left the bakery, Silas gave me the number of an independent attorney who could review our agreement.

I called her from the parking lot.

By the time I stood outside the courthouse, the choice was mine.

That did not excuse what my family had done.

It meant the choice belonged to me, not to Marlene.

When Silas told Brielle to stop filming, I realized he understood that distinction too.

PART 4