For twenty peaceful minutes, nobody had to make a speech about courage or family loyalty.

We watched snow begin to fall outside Lauren’s window, and that ordinary silence felt like something we had fought very hard to earn.

PART 17

In February, investigators arrested Harold on charges relating to the intentional contamination of the gift and the injury to Tessa.

The charges were allegations, not a conviction, and his attorney publicly denied them.

Ruiz warned us that the evidence would be challenged and that the proceedings could take time.

I had expected satisfaction when the call came.