I had never been the one in the witness stand.

I had never been the victim.

“I can do it,” I said.

“I want to do it.”

Rachel sat on the edge of my bed.

She took my unbandaged hand in hers.

“It will be hard, Natalie,” she said.

“The physical recovery alone will take months.”

“You have skin grafts scheduled for next week.”

“I don’t care,” I said.

“They tried to take my life.”

“They tried to take my family’s legacy.”

“I am not going to let them hide behind their money.”

Sullivan reached into his breast pocket and pulled out a small notepad.

“The prosecutor will want to meet with you as soon as you are discharged,” he said.

“Her name is Assistant District Attorney Vance.”

“She is tough.”

“She wants to play the kitchen video during the opening statements if the judge allows it.”

“Good,” I said.

“Let them see it.”

“Let the jury see Margaret holding the pan.”

“Let them see Ethan standing by the door, watching.”

“Let them see him lock the deadbolt so I couldn’t get out.”