Juliette’s face lost what little color it had left.

“That was an accident,” she said.

“It was trespass, and Marcus has the surveyor’s report from yesterday,” I said.

The floorboards in the hallway creaked as the footsteps came closer.

“Sarah, help me,” Juliette said, turning to her daughter.

Sarah looked at her mother, then looked down at the floor, crossing her arms tightly.

“I told you not to build that retaining wall, Mother,” Sarah said quietly.

“You told me it was handled.”

“You lied to me too,” Sarah added, her voice flat.

“I’m not getting dragged into a police report for your land dispute.”

The kitchen door pushed open, and Dan walked in first.

His eyes were red, and he looked smaller than he had an hour ago.

Deputy Miller stood in the doorway, his utility belt clinking as he shifted his weight.

Marcus followed him, holding a yellow legal pad and wearing his muddy work boots.

“Everything alright in here?” Deputy Miller asked, his eyes moving from Juliette to me.

“We are just finalizing some family business, Deputy,” I said, keeping my voice even.