Every time my brother-in-law drove me home, I would lose consciousness and wake up with unexplained aches and pains. My husband would only laugh and say, “You’re just out of shape, that’s all.” After the fourth ride, I secretly slipped a voice recorder into my purse and said nothing. That night, I listened to a phone conversation between the two of them that revealed my blackouts had never been accidental.

When the call finally came, I was watering the plants on my balcony.

I placed the can down and listened.

The jury had returned verdicts on the charges submitted to it.

Julian was found guilty on several counts involving the unlawful scheme and false documentation; he was acquitted on other counts where the evidence did not meet the required standard.

Sentencing would occur later, and appeals remained possible.

I hung up and stared at the rosemary plant until Priya came outside.

She asked what happened, and I told her.