Now my daughter was asking for a room where fear could finally lose its authority.

That was a far more important ambition.

PART 14

Patricia called one Friday to say that the defense had proposed a negotiated resolution.

She did not ask Chloe to agree immediately.

She explained the terms as they were offered, the consequences, and the questions that still needed answers.

The prosecutor would make decisions about any criminal agreement; Chloe could communicate her wishes and concerns, but she was not required to trade her wellbeing for a guaranteed outcome.

Chloe took the afternoon to think.