It wasn’t the dramatic courtroom moment my imagination wanted.

It was practical, and that was exactly why it felt safe.

Two days later, Linda phoned.

I had figured Patrick’s wife would steer clear of me forever after what she’d seen.

Instead she asked if we could get coffee.

She showed up with a plain folder instead of the pricey leather purse she usually carried.

Her face looked worn.

“I’m not asking you to excuse him,” she said before she even sat down.