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“Things go missing. Accusations can be made,” he threatens me.

“Yes, you’re right. Things go missing all the time. Have you ever told your partners about the missing ten million dollars? Oh, wait. You did, but you said it was an investment that went belly up, right? Yes, I remember that now.” I look at Logan. “Do you remember that, Logan?”

Logan smiles. “Yes, I do. And I still have that old laptop he gave me to use for school. Funny thing about deleted files. You can always recover them.”

Father blanches but carries on as if nothing was said. “Enough of this rebellious behavior. You played soldier long enough. Time to face reality and take your place in the family business and be a man. Do as you are told.”

River steps in and positions herself between me and my father. “Be a man? What the hell do you know about being a man? You can’t even drive yourself. You have someone drive you here while you drink bourbon in the back seat. Your head is shoved so far up your ass, all you can see is your own shit. You know nothing about being a man. Liam did not play soldier. Do you know anything about your son? He’s a marine. He’s a corpsman and saved hundreds of lives. He was in battle dragging people back from the brink of death while you played at monopoly. Did you know he almost died? Did you know his body was covered in shrapnel and he was in a hospital in a coma for days?”

The momentary silence that follows her words is filled with gasps all around us, except from my father. He has no reaction. No one knows about me almost dying and being in a coma. Not even Logan. I never told anyone but River. When River realizes what she just said she looks at me apologetically, but I shrug it off. It’s time the truth came out.

My father stews in anger. “Flesh wounds, I bet!” he mutters under his breath.

“Flesh wounds?” River goes on. “Are you dense or just so self-centered you can’t see past your own needs?” She pauses for effect and then looks around the room. “Wait? Is there a difference? In your case I think not. People don’t go into a coma because of flesh wounds, you moron!”

My father advances on her. “You little bitch! How dare you speak to me like that?”

Both Logan and I jump in, ready to take our father down, when we all stop in our tracks.

“Enough!”

I look over at my mother. I had forgotten she was here for a moment. She is on her knees, tears running down her face. The face that’s always composed and perfect is now marred by black lines from ruined makeup. She gets up now and comes to me and she holds me. I hesitate for just a moment before my arms go around her. Then she lets go of me and does the same to Logan. When she lets go of him, she walks up to Dad and stands right in front of him. She pulls her shoulders back and looks him in the eyes, tears still streaming down her face. Not a sound can be heard. We’re all in shock. Mother has never raised her voice. Not once had I ever seen her being anything less than perfect.

Then the most amazing thing happens. She slaps him. He looks at her in absolute shock and she slaps him again.

“You will leave here and you will never, ever address my children in such a disrespectful way again. I will return to the house tomorrow to collect my things. Make sure not to be there. I will have my lawyer deliver the divorce papers by the end of the week.”

“Olivia? Are you insane? Have you lost your mind? Don’t forget your place—”

Mother slaps him again.

Father is furious. Coldness like I had never seen washes over his face. “You cannot divorce me. I own you. Even if you could there is no way you’d have divorce papers ready by the end of the week.”

“The divorce papers have been ready for years now. All I need to do is add a few amendments and have it delivered. I suggest you sign it as is,” Mother counters. “Like Logan and Liam, I have collected some interesting information over the years. I’m sure the media would be very interested in your escapades into sex clubs and your many mistresses, not to mention the money you have been sending offshore.”

“Holy shit!” I hear myself say and look at Logan. His face tells me he already knew about it.

“You will regret this,” Father threatens Mother.

I step behind her and put a hand on her shoulder and Logan does the same on her other side.

“No, you will, if you ever threaten any of us again.”

He leaves after that and Mother’s shoulder’s sag. I pull her into a hug and Logan joins me and we both hug her.

“I have to find a hotel to spend the night,” she speaks.

“Mother, you can stay with us. We have the room.”

She sobs and looks at me and then at Logan. “Call me Mom, please.”

I look at Logan and my eyes water. His are a mirror of mine. We were never allowed to call her Mom. Our Father demanded that we call her Mother. Even as toddlers.

“You can stay with us, Mom.”

She sighs. I look at River over Mom’s shoulder, and she’s smiling between her tears. She wipes them with the hem of her shirt and gives me a glimpse of her flat, tanned belly.

Mom disengages from Logan and me and turns to River. Then she walks to her and gives her a hug.

“Thank you for standing up for my son and doing what I should have done long ago.”