I am asking you to know that I was afraid, and that I mistook fear for protection.

He described the flood, the accusation at work and his flight with me.

He admitted that he had believed Aunt Lillian would care for Evie only briefly.

When he learned she had died, he contacted the county welfare office.

By then Evie had been placed with a family who wanted to adopt her.

An official told him a legal dispute could expose him to charges connected with the money missing from his employer.

He chose not to fight.