“But if I give them to you, it destroys everything between us. I need to be sure, Grace.”

“The truth is the only thing that’s sure, Ethan,” I said.

Before he could answer, the heavy double doors of Courtroom Four swung open.

A clerk motioned for us to enter.

Judge Vane was already on the bench, his silver hair catching the sharp fluorescent light.

We took our seats at the opposing wooden tables, Aaron sitting close to me.

The defense attorney, a sharp-faced man named Vance, stood up immediately.

“Your Honor, this is an abuse of the court’s time,” Vance began, gesturing toward me.

“Ms. Mercer is a disgruntled former employee who has harassed the Whitaker family and attempted to extort private military documents.”

“I have a signed affidavit from Lieutenant Vale,” I said, standing up to address the bench.

“And we have reason to believe crucial physical evidence at the Whitaker farm is currently targeted for destruction.”

Judge Vane leaned forward, his hands clasped on his desk.

“Ms. Mercer, you are no longer with the Department of Justice,” the judge said.