Chapter 7
Tyler's next move was low.
Even for him.
He went to the county courthouse.
Claimed the deed was fake. Claimed Dad had been senile when he signed it. Claimed I'd forced him.
He wanted the trailer. And he wanted me gone.
I had to go to court.
I couldn't afford a lawyer.
But the doctor—Dr. Martinez—she heard about it.
She came to the trailer one evening.
Brought a lawyer with her. Pro bono.
"Ryan deserves a chance," she told me later. "And so does your father."
The hearing was quick.
The judge looked at the deed. Looked at the witnesses. Looked at Tyler.
Tyler had no proof. Just accusations.
And I had the deed. Dad's testimony. And the fact that Tyler had a record of his own—petty theft, drug possession, assault.
The judge ruled in my favor.
"The deed is legitimate," he said. "The trailer belongs to Ryan Carter. And Mr. Tyler Carter... you are to stay away from this property. And from your brother and father. Permanently."
Tyler stormed out of the courtroom.
I walked out with Dad.
May you like
The sun was shining.
For the first time since I got home... I breathed easy.
