He wanted me to know he could get past the hospital security desk whenever he pleased.”

Richard nodded slowly, his pen resuming its rhythmic scratching as he translated my childhood memories and my family’s threats into dry, legal facts.

“This will be a formal deposition, Mara.

Once you sign it, the prosecutor will submit it directly to the grand jury before they convene on Friday morning.”

“Will I have to face Arthur in the courtroom?” I asked.

Richard capped his fountain pen with a slow, deliberate click and leaned back in his leather chair.