PART 4

Lauren’s conference room had no imposing portraits or polished trophies.

A box of tissues stood beside a pitcher of water, and a small wooden toy occupied the corner near the window.

She told me the toy belonged to a former client’s child, who had once refused to leave without giving it to her.

“People come here because something has become impossible to ignore,” Lauren said.

“We need to separate what you know, what you suspect, and what documents can establish.”