“The prosecutor’s office tells me you have full legal grounds to bring civil perjury charges against him,” Pendelton said.

“It would secure additional financial restitution out of his assets,” Pendelton added.

Claire glanced down at Emily, who was carefully sitting her gray stuffed rabbit in the center of her drawing pad.

“I don’t have any interest in punishing him more,” Claire said.

“The law has done what it needed to do to keep her safe.”

Pendelton looked at Claire for a long moment, then gave one short nod.

“I’ll let my client know what you’ve decided,” Pendelton said, turning and heading back down the quiet hallway.