He mistook simplicity for weakness.

They all did.

Voss began confidently.

He produced a notarized deed dated six weeks before Grandpa’s death, transferring the farm to my parents for “love and consideration.”

He described Grandpa as elderly but competent.

He described me as “largely absent overseas.”

Then my mother leaned toward me and whispered, “You should have stayed on your ship.”

I turned just enough to meet her eyes.

“I was hoping you’d say that.”….

Voss spent the next forty minutes constructing their victory.

He called the notary, Sheila Crane, who testified that Grandpa had signed the deed in his kitchen at 2:15 p.m. on March 18.

She remembered the blue coffee mug beside his hand.

She remembered my mother crying afterward.

She remembered my father saying, “Dad, we’ll protect this place.”

It was almost beautiful.

Almost.

When it was my turn, Judge Price asked, “Captain, do you intend to cross-examine?”

“Yes, Your Honor.”

Voss leaned back, delighted.

I stood.

“Ms. Crane, you’re certain about the date?”

“Absolutely.”