But I could make absolutely certain that his behavior and mine were impossible to confuse, and in the end that was the only thing on that porch that mattered.

Chapter 23 — My Mother’s Testimony

Gavin scrambled to his feet the moment I let him up and immediately began doing what men like him always do when the account finally comes due: he started to lie, loudly and in every direction.

He told the officers I had assaulted him without provocation.

He told them my mother was being held inside the house against her will.

He told them he was the true victim of an elaborate conspiracy.