He did not summon a staff member as though the clinic coordinator had become unnecessary now that somebody richer had arrived.

Marcus went over the next steps with the new attorney.

He remained my lawyer.

Assistance meant he could obtain specialist help and conduct the work properly; it did not erase what he and Elena had done before anybody knew whose daughter I might be.

“I paid twenty-five hundred dollars,” I said suddenly.

Marcus looked at me.

“I have the receipt.

I don’t want to lose track of it.”