Thomas didn’t answer him.

By three that afternoon, the sun coming through the tall windows of the county prosecutor’s conference room had laid bright yellow squares across the oak table.

Arthur Pendelton pressed a stapled six-page document flat against the polished wood with both hands.

“The grand jury’s ruling stands, Thomas,” Pendelton said.

Thomas Miller sat in the tall leather chair, his dark work jacket hanging open over a white shirt.

He reached down and adjusted his heavy leather watch strap, cinching the silver buckle two notches tighter.