Lauren was furious about how slowly the process moved.

Brian was frustrated, too, but he’d stopped expecting any legal proceeding to repair the emotional damage on its own.

Over dinner, Lauren admitted she’d always feared that if she challenged Harold, she’d lose her brother as well.

“You almost did,” Brian said quietly.

She looked up.

“I know,” he continued.

“I made you carry things alone because I couldn’t stand the idea that Dad might be wrong.”

Lauren pushed her food around the plate.