I held my newborn when my uncle saw the marks on my neck—then removed his hearing aids, and my husband realized too late who he was really dealing with.

“The house is mine. The accounts are mine. She has nothing without me!”

I held my daughter closer to my chest.

Uncle Ray’s voice stayed level.

“Careful.”

But Derek ignored him.

“You think anyone will take her word over mine?”

Detective Alvarez turned her tablet toward him. Derek’s own voice filled the room.

“Sign the papers after birth, or I’ll make sure continue reading …