David answered on the second ring, and I heard concern in his voice immediately. “Sherry, I heard about what happened with your car. Are you okay?”
You’re not obligated to speak with them. However, they’re being quite vocal in the lobby. We can have them removed if necessary.”
“We’ll use the victim liaison room. It has better security features.”
My family had shown their true colors—not in a moment of desperate crisis, but in their calm assumption that I existed to be exploited. The theft of my car hadn’t been an aberration. It had been an escalation of a pattern established in my childhood.
For the first time in forty-eight hours, I smiled genuinely. My family of origin might be crumbling, but my chosen family was standing strong. And that, I realized, was worth more than any car.
“I remember Sher working until 2 a.m. at the grocery store and then acing my 8 a.m. exam.
“Sherry, I’ve been in touch with Detective Martinez and the DA’s office. Based on the evidence Tyler provided and what we’ve documented, they’re expanding the investigation.”
The cross-examination was brutal. Megan’s lawyer tried to paint me as a cold, calculating daughter who resented my family’s closeness. My parents’ attorney suggested I’d agreed to help but was now experiencing giver’s remorse.
“What they didn’t teach me was that I was the only one expected to sacrifice for that principle.”
Based on what you’re telling me—and showing me—this constitutes theft. The fact that it’s a family member doesn’t change the legal definition.”
“Your sister has struggled, and instead of helping her, you’re trying to get her arrested. What kind of sister are you?”
