It was not the answer I wanted.

It was an answer I could trust.

Hannah’s attorney handled requests from Julian’s representatives.

A detective arranged preservation of relevant records.

The hospital maintained the visitor restrictions Hannah wanted.

Each measure seemed small compared with what had happened, but together they gave her space to recover without being required to negotiate with him from a hospital bed.

The first message Julian sent me sounded nothing like the man Hannah had described.

Evelyn, I understand you’re upset.