Margaret’s statements to investigators were referred for a separate review; nobody promised that an arrest or conviction would automatically follow.

Outside the courthouse a reporter thrust a microphone toward Clara and asked whether she felt triumphant.

“I’m relieved,” she said.

“Those are different things.”

Naomi stood beside her as Clara continued.

“I lost my job, my reputation, and weeks of peace because someone assumed I was guilty.

Being cleared doesn’t return any of that overnight.

I want people to remember that an accusation is not a fact.”