“Because she received a call about a family dispute, and because someone had been following her.

The ring is part of the dispute.

She was afraid that if she stayed, she might draw trouble toward you and the child.”

That sounded like something a stranger could invent in the space of an hour.

My expression must have shown it.

“I know how this sounds,” Spencer said.

“I don’t expect you to trust me because I know an old story.

Evelyn asked me to offer a meeting in a public place, wherever you choose.