cnu-At my fortieth birthday party, my sister swung a baseball bat into…

plea.”

The preliminary hearing happened in September.

Emma did not have to testify then. Derek stayed home with her while I went to court. Vanessa arrived with my parents, all three dressed as if they were attending church. My mother looked at me across the hallway with such disgust that I almost smiled.

There had been a time when her disapproval could continue reading …