Victor watched the photographs without expression.
Until one appeared.
February 16, 2013.
Two days before the accident.
I stood beside the pressure fryer.
A yellow maintenance tag was tied around its handle.
Grace enlarged the image.
VALVE FAILURE — DO NOT OPERATE.
Victor shifted.
Gerald whispered, “Where did she get that?”
Victor said nothing.
Grace looked at me.
“Who placed that tag?”
“Mateo Soto.”
At the sound of the name, Melissa’s face changed.
Only for a second.
Most people would not have noticed.
I did.
Grace asked, “Who was Mateo Soto?”
“Our maintenance supervisor.”
“Did he recommend shutting down the fryer?”
“Yes.”
“What did Mr. Hale do?”
Victor slammed his palm against the table.
“This is a divorce hearing!”
Judge Monroe’s voice cut through the room.
“And I suggest you remember where you are.”
Gerald grabbed Victor’s arm.
He sat again.
But sweat had appeared along his temple.
Grace waited.
