Patience means preparing.

Aria had prepared.

Mercer was relieved of command pending investigation before the end of the week. Harlow’s statement changed three times before it finally stopped changing.

Two other men admitted they’d been told to stay in the shower room long enough to witness Aria “lose control.” One confessed that Mercer had instructed him to report only what happened after Harlow made contact.

It was the oldest trick in the world. Cut off the beginning, then call the victim the cause.

But the recorder had kept the beginning. So had Aria.