Garrett was still her husband.

He had lawyers, property, money, and the confidence of a man who had been excused for his behavior since childhood.

Chloe had a frightened mother, a modest checking account, and months of recovery ahead of her.

I called Patricia Vance from a bench outside the intensive care unit.

Her name had been given to me two years earlier by a union representative at the shipyard, after an injured worker needed someone willing to challenge a powerful contractor.

Patricia had taken the case and won a fair settlement without once promising miracles.