She hugged him gently.

Across the lawn Adam looked away to give them privacy.

PART 23

Months passed before the separate investigation into Margaret’s statements was resolved.

The reviewing authorities determined that the original complaint had contained serious inconsistencies.

The matter ended with a negotiated disposition involving a formal acknowledgment of false reporting and a court-imposed penalty.

Clara attended only the final hearing.

She had no desire to sit through every stage of Margaret’s defense.