Ms. Alvarado's office occupied a modest suite above a dry cleaner's, nothing like the polished, intimidating spaces Ivy associated with Nikolai's world, and something about its unpretentious warmth made the whole deposition prep session feel slightly less terrifying than she'd braced for.
"Depositions are simpler than television makes them look," Alvarado said, spreading a folder of prep materials across her desk. "Opposing counsel will ask you questions, under oath, and a court reporter will record everything. Your job is to answer honestly, answer only what's asked, and never guess or speculate if you're not certain. 'I don't recall' is an acceptable answer if it's true. Volunteering extra information you weren't asked for is the most common mistake people make, and it's usually the mis
