“You didn’t care to ask,” I said. “You just wanted to believe he was the successful son-in-law you always wanted.”

Claire stepped closer to the desk.

“You think you’re so perfect,” she said. “Sitting in that big chair.”

“I haven’t sat in it yet,” I said.

“You’re going to drop the charges,” my father commanded.

His voice was firm, the same tone he used when I was a child.

“I don’t have the authority to drop federal charges, Father,” I said. “And even if I did, I wouldn’t.”

“We will disown you,” my mother said.

The words hung in the air.

The room was very quiet.

The hum of the air conditioner was the only sound.

I looked at my mother.

She looked smaller to me now.

The power she used to hold over my self-worth was gone.

“You already did that years ago,” I said.

“Emily, please,” Claire said, her voice suddenly changing to a desperate whine. “They are going to take the house. They are going to take everything.”

“Then you will have to start over,” I said.

“How can you be so heartless?” Claire sobbed.