“Patricia,” Gregory said sternly, his gaze as cold as ice. “Don’t start, and don’t get involved. This does not concern you.”

“Why is it none of my business?!” she suddenly shouted, shocking everyone into silence. “This is my mother we’re talking about! I’m tired of being kept in the dark. I was suspicious of some things before, but I denied it in my mind, thinking there was no way my own father and brother would do such horrible things. But because I love you both and want to know the truth, I need to know more. I want to know what really happened! And you can’t stop me!”

She hastily...