Chapter 12
“Then why is her name on this?”
I looked carefully at the photograph.
“Before we assume anything, we need to find out what the document actually means.”
Ryan nodded.
But his expression had hardened.
“My mother has been hiding things for years.”
Nicole glanced toward Tommy, still sleeping in the back seat.
“I don't want him hearing any more arguments tonight.”
“Then he won't,” I said.
We carried our bags inside.
Our house was small compared with Diane and Robert's sprawling property, but it was warm and comfortable.
The living room had soft yellow lamps, shelves crowded with books, and a faded blue couch Ryan insisted was the most comfortable piece of furniture ever made.
I had always loved that couch.
Lily would have loved it too.
I showed Nicole and Tommy to the guest room.
There were fresh blankets in the closet and a little reading lamp beside the bed.
Tommy woke briefly as his mother helped him change into pajamas.
“Are we safe here?” he whispered.
Nicole looked at me.
I knelt beside him.
“You're welcome here, Tommy. Your mom and the adults are working on keeping things safe.”
He studied my face.
“Are you really a superhero?”
I smiled.
“No, sweetheart.”
“But you beat Daddy.”
I shook my head gently.
“I didn't beat your dad. I stopped him from hurting anyone.”
Tommy frowned.
“Isn't that the same thing?”
I thought about it.
“No,” I said. “Winning a fight means somebody loses. Stopping someone from getting hurt means everybody has a chance to make a better choice.”
He considered that.
Then nodded.
“Okay.”
As I stood, he reached for my hand.
“Aunt Claire?”
“Yes?”
“Can you teach me how to be brave without being mean?”
My throat tightened.
“I'd love to.”
He smiled.
Then climbed into bed.
When I returned downstairs, Ryan was sitting at the kitchen table with an ice pack against his lip.
Nicole had gone to shower.
I poured two glasses of water and sat beside him.
“Does it hurt?”
“Only when I remember my brother has the emotional maturity of a broken lawn mower.”
I laughed softly.
Then grew serious.
“Ryan, we need to get that checked.”
He nodded.
“I know.”
We arranged for him to receive medical care that evening.
His injury wasn't severe, but the doctor documented what had happened and advised him on recovery.
We also preserved the video Marissa had recorded at the barbecue.