A separate paper trail suggested Walter had arranged access to the suitcase in which the necklace was found.

Investigators were now reviewing employee logs and witness statements.

I asked Dana whether the truth would ever be clean enough to explain to the children.

“Children don’t need an adult’s courtroom strategy,” she said.

“They need an age-appropriate truth and adults who can tolerate their questions.”

“Like why I wasn’t there.”

“Exactly.”

I went back to the office and dictated a letter to each of them, then tore the letters up.