“She will sign anything after surgery,” Vivian had written.

“She won’t want to make a scene with everyone watching.”

Another message discussed describing me as unstable if I refused, so Leo could remain with her.

I read both.

The words did not prove every detail of an alleged offense.

They did show preparation that contradicted the explanation that the idea had arisen from seeing me tired that afternoon.

Daniel took the phone back and read them again.

“She planned to say you couldn’t manage.”