The courtroom exploded in whispers.
Howard stood again.
This time his lawyer couldn’t stop him.
“This is insane!”
Two deputies moved toward him.
The judge’s voice became ice.
“Sit down, Mr. Parker, or you will spend the rest of this hearing in custody.”
Howard dropped back into his chair.
I looked at Denise.
She wasn’t crying anymore.
She was staring at her husband.
As though she were seeing him for the first time.
Outside the courtroom, reporters were already gathering.
I didn’t know how they had heard.
Maybe courthouse staff.
Maybe someone from child services.
Maybe Howard himself had invited them because he expected to walk out victorious.
Whatever the reason, cameras flashed the second we stepped into the hallway.
“Michael!”
“Are police reopening the investigation?”
“Was the fire deliberately set?”
“Do you believe your aunt and uncle killed your parents?”
Vicky grabbed my hand.
I immediately lifted her into my arms.
