“My father built a safeguard,” Jonah said. “If I married while incarcerated and my conviction was overturned, my lawful spouse would receive emergency co-trustee authority. He knew more than he let on when he was ill.”
“Because he didn’t trust Celeste or Dean.”
“Yes.”
“And Celeste knew?”
“Yes.”
“So she picked someone poor enough to control.”
“Yes.”
“And you knew?”
“He knew more than he let on when he was ill.”
Jonah flinched. “Not at first.”
“But eventually.”
“Six months before the appeal hearing.”
Owen stood in the hallway, listening.
“You let me stand in prison lines for three years,” I said, “without telling me I was part of your family’s war.”
“I told myself I was protecting you.”
“No. Say it right.”
“I was protecting you.”
He swallowed.
“I lied by letting you stay oblivious.”
“There,” I said. “That’s the first honest thing you’ve said tonight.”
