“Not on those charges alone,” she said.

“I see,” I said.

“If you find evidence of an ongoing conspiracy, or active concealment within the last five years, please let us know,” she added.

“Thank you,” I said, and ended the call.

I set the phone down on the desk.

The screen of my laptop glowed, casting a pale blue light over the papers scattered across the table.

“Natalie?” Eleanor asked.

“The statute of limitations expired twelve years ago,” I said.

Eleanor closed her eyes, her face pale in the dim room.

“So he got away with it,” she whispered.

“The law says he did,” I said.

I picked up the receiver of the landline, where General Avery was still waiting on the other line.

“General,” I said.

“I heard the silence, Natalie,” Avery said. “I assume the courthouse gave you the same analysis my legal team did.”

“They did,” I said. “Five years.”

“Gregory is a meticulous man,” Avery said. “He knew exactly when the clock ran out.”

“He didn’t just hide the truth,” I said. “He waited it out.”