The judge made a note.

“Mr.

Wexler, repeating access does not establish the act itself.

Please continue with the evidence you have.”

Clara’s heart raced.

The exchange was not a victory.

It was simply the first time an authority figure had demanded something more substantial than Margaret’s certainty.

Margaret testified that she had seen the pendant on Sunday evening, then hesitated when Naomi showed her the earlier statement referring to three that afternoon.