My phone rang within three seconds.

“You vindictive—” Michael’s voice cracked with hysteria. “Don’t you dare project your defective biology onto my miracle. You’re just jealous. You’ll die alone in California while I build a legacy.”

I didn’t raise my voice. “I used to pity you because you were ignorant, Michael. Now I pity you because you’re a coward choosing to live in a fantasy.

Look at that child’s face. Really look. Then look at the man who lives across the hall.”

Dead silence. I could hear his shallow breathing.

“You’re crazy,” he whispered, but the bravado was gone.