And a hazardous household chemical container had been found near the place he’d been standing.

Against those facts, Brian kept placing memories of fishing trips, birthday cakes, and the way his father had once driven three hours to help him fix a broken-down car.

“Both can be true,” I told him.

“He could have helped you when you were young and still have done something terrible today.”

Brian stared at his untouched coffee.

“I know.”

But knowing was not the same as accepting.