“That wasn’t my question.”
His attorney leaned toward him and whispered something. My father stared at the table.
“Yes,” he finally muttered.
The judge instructed the clerk to continue.
The next clip showed my mother collecting her purse while my father pointed at the deed. Melanie’s voice came from the open doorway.
“Just make her sign it, Dad. We don’t have time to start over.”
My stomach tightened.
Then came the conversation that changed everything.
My mother turned toward the camera, unaware it was recording her.
“If Claire refuses, the bank will take Melanie’s house. We’ve already used the money from our sale, and the final payment is due in ninety days.”
My father answered, “That’s why we need Claire’s property. Once the deed is transferred, the lender won’t have anything to worry about.”
The courtroom fell silent.
They hadn’t simply wanted my house.
