My Father Told the Judge My Shop and Van Belonged to My Brother—Then the Judge Asked One Question

I meant it, though I still checked the company’s balances twice whenever they weren’t watching.

Two days afterward, Dad phoned.

“Last chance,” he said. “Your mother says you can still apologize.”

“For what?”

“For humiliating your brother.”

Through the workshop glass, I watched a mechanic show an apprentice how to locate an electrical problem.

My people had families, mortgages, and futures Tyler was prepared to jeopardize.

“No,” I said quietly. “I won’t apologize.”

Mom took over the call. “The judge will see what kind of daughter you are.”

“Then tell the truth when you get there.”

She laughed. “We will.”