“He begged for your mercy, saying Cole’s reputation was completely destroyed,” Richard said.

“What did you tell him, Father?” I asked.

“I told him you have no wish to act out of malice or pity,” Richard said.

“I said ordinary justice would take its natural course without any interference from us.”

“How did his attorney respond?” I asked.

“He hung up without another word,” Richard said.

He walked across the sunny room and lifted a heavy cardboard box of baby blankets onto the window seat.

“Your grandmother called from her recovery suite at three o’clock,” he added.