Sadie’s gaze sharpened. “What makes you think that?”

I swallowed against my suddenly dry throat. “My father was physically abusive to me growing up, and my mother covered for him. He hit Justin once right before they came to Sutter Lake.”

Sadie scribbled on her paper. “Has there been any documentation?”

“No. Justin didn’t tell his mom when it happened. He only told me after he knew there was a chance they might have to go live with their grandparents.”

She looked up from her clipboard, a heat in her eyes that hadn’t been there before. “I’m very sorry that happened to both of you. Were there ever any hospital or doctors’ visits that might help corroborate this?”

“I had to go to the hospital once for some broken ribs, but my mother told them I’d fallen while jumping on my bed. Most of the time, he was careful. He knew where to hit that would hurt but not leave outward signs.” There were times I’d had blood in my urine from kidney punches, but he’d only broken a bone once. I’d never understood how he had the restraint to hold back in that way but not be able to stop hitting us altogether.

“If you can get me the hospital name, I’ll request those records.”

“I can email it to you after I look it up.”

“That would be great.”

Mason had gone stiff by my side, and when I looked up at him, I saw barely contained rage. I couldn’t help but place a hand on his stomach, the muscles taut. “Are you okay?”

“No, I’m not. I want to kill your father,” he whispered.

I forced some levity into my voice. “Somehow, I don’t think you going to jail for murder will help our custody case.”

I hoped for a chuckle or at least a corner of his mouth to rise. I didn’t get either. He simply stared down at me. “He’s not going to hurt any of you ever again.”

“Okay.” I wasn’t sure what else to say. I wasn’t going to tell Mason how good my father was at flipping the script and getting people on his side. I didn’t explain how he’d turned my sister against me for so many years. None of that would help right now.

His hand slipped under my hair, squeezing the back of my neck. “I mean it.”

“I know.” There was a certainty in Mason’s voice that brooked no argument. And for the millionth time, I wondered why. “I know what it’s like to have no power.” His words echoed in my brain. I wanted to know who had taken that power away and why. Instead, I simply headed upstairs behind Sadie.