Daniel Speaks

Daniel gave his statement from a hospital bed with a blanket over his knees and a spiteful amount of hair gel.

"If I'm going on record, I refuse to look like a cautionary pamphlet," he told Tessa.

Ruiz recorded. Brooke handled documents. Nora sat where Daniel could see her, not because he needed comfort, but because he wanted the story aimed at someone who understood the price of paperwork.

Daniel described Judith's visit. The lilies. The phrase families have to be practical. Evan's office calls. The first packet he signed because he thought it helped Tessa. The second packet he refused because Nora had arrived in time to make refusal feel possible.

"Did anyone explain that assigning benefit rights might direct money away from your sister?" Ruiz asked.

"No."

"Did Nora Vale witness your signature?"

"No. Nora Vale once ate my pudding and lied about it, but she did not witness that."

Tessa made a strangled sound that might have been a laugh.

Daniel looked at the camera. "I was afraid of being expensive. They knew that. They made it sound noble to stop costing people."

Nora had to look down.

Brooke placed Ruth Emory's file beside Daniel's. "Same language."

Ruiz nodded. "Pattern."

After the statement, Daniel slept hard. Tessa walked Nora to the vending machines.

"I hated you for dragging us in," Tessa said.

Nora swallowed. "I know."

"Then I hated myself because we were already in."

"I know that too."

Tessa leaned against the vending machine and closed her eyes. "If Daniel dies before this hearing, I will burn the foundation down with my teeth."

Nora took her hand.

"Then we make sure he speaks before they can make him a file."

Down the hall, Cal stepped out of an elevator and saw them.

He did not approach.

He looked afraid.