“She’s our mother in every way that matters, Your Honor,” the second man stepped forward, pulling a thick folder from his briefcase. “I am Dr. Michael Chin, trauma surgeon at Northwestern Memorial. This is my brother, Timothy Peterson-Chin, CEO of Innovate Solutions. And that is Daniel Peterson-Rodriguez, civil rights attorney.”

Delilah’s hand flew to her mouth. Her boys. Her three scared, skinny boys who used to crowd around her tiny kitchen table were now men, successful and powerful.

“The defendant was framed,” Daniel said, his attorney’s voice cutting through the room like a blade. “And we have proof. The real killer is sitting in this room right now.”