“But she reminded me that my name is on every fraudulent filing she made.” “Are you ready to fix this, Derek?” Alvin asked.

Derek looked up, tears in his eyes.

“How?” “By telling the absolute truth tonight,” Alvin said.

“No more lying.

No more running.”

Chapter 16 — The Dinner

Dinner began at seven-thirty.

Carmen had cooked a traditional Southern pot roast with vegetables, the same meal she used to make for Sunday family dinners years ago, back when this house was full and warm and hers.