“All I had was a photocopy of a handwritten note.”

“The hospital lawyers threatened them with a defamation lawsuit.”

“They have unlimited resources, Ethan.”

“I had nothing.”

“But you kept the paper,” he said.

“I kept it,” I said.

“Because I knew one day, someone would have to listen.”

He walked over to the window.

He pressed his forehead against the cold glass.

“She was my wife,” he whispered.

“I know,” I said.

“She was supposed to be safe.”

“I trusted them.”

“I trusted Daniel.”

He turned back to face me, his face shadowed by the storm outside.

“If Daniel is coming here,” Ethan said, “he will want that paper.”

“He will do whatever it takes to protect the deal.”

“Are you afraid, Grace?”

I looked at the heavy oak door of the study.

I thought about the last two years of my life, spent cleaning other people’s floors, living in silence.

“I have been afraid for a long time,” I said.

“But I am tired of running.”

“I want the truth to come out.”

Ethan nodded once.

He walked over to the desk drawer and opened it.