My father had always been able to tell when I was avoiding the truth.

He reached over and took the grocery bags from my hand.

“Where is your vehicle?”

I paused.

“At the house.”

“Why?”

I stayed silent.

His expression grew more serious.

“Where is your SUV?”

Finally, I whispered, “Patricia took the keys.”

For several moments, my father simply looked at me.

The Truth Came Out

He shifted the grocery bags in one hand.

“Why did Patricia take your keys?”

I swallowed.

“She says the SUV belongs to Nolan because the registration is under his name.”

My father kept his voice controlled.

“Who made the down payment?”

“I did.”

“Who makes the payments?”

“I do.”

“Insurance?”

“Me.”