“Since before Mabel was ever accused.

Since the very beginning.” She stepped in, and she set the leather folder down on his desk with the careful weight of a person handing over something that has cost her a great deal to carry this far.

“But that isn’t the worst of it, Mr. — that isn’t the worst of it.

My father found out the truth, back then.

At the start.

And I have the proof of it right here.”