The two weeks between the hearing and the ruling were the longest of my life. I went back to work at Meridian, but I couldn't focus. I kept checking the news, waiting for updates. Marcus was patient with me, but I could tell he was frustrated.
"You need to take some time off," he said one afternoon. "You're not doing anyone any good like this."
"I can't. I need to stay busy."
"Margaret, you just testified in a major fraud case. You're allowed to take a breath."
"I'll breathe when it's over."
He shook his head but didn't push.
Elena called every few days with updates. The judge was reviewing the evidence carefully. The press was keeping the story alive. Charles had gone underground, refusing all interviews. Daniel had checked into a hotel and was reportedly considering a plea deal.
"
