She gave a small smile.

“For the first time in a while, I’m deciding that myself.”

She opened her folder.

Her notes recorded Daniel’s shifting dates and explanations.

She had distinguished what he told her before Christmas from what he said after seeing the children.

It was not an official finding, but it was a useful account of why she no longer trusted him.

“He keeps saying the facts are less important than the damage you’re causing,” she said.

I looked toward the café window.