Victor whispered, “Jesus Christ.”
Grace continued.
“How long did you work for Mr. Hale?”
“Four years.”
“Did you have a personal relationship with him?”
Melissa’s face tightened.
“Yes.”
“How long?”
“Approximately fourteen months.”
I looked down.
Knowing was one thing.
Hearing the number hurt differently.
Fourteen months.
Fourteen months of late meetings.
Fourteen months of conference trips.
Fourteen months of Victor accusing me of being cold while he came home smelling like another woman.
Grace asked, “Did you begin your relationship with Mr. Hale because you were attracted to him?”
Gerald objected.
Grace replied, “Foundation.”
Judge Monroe allowed it.
Melissa took a breath.
“No.”
Victor made a sound.
Not quite a word.
Grace asked, “Why did you begin it?”
Melissa looked toward me.
Then toward Victor.
Her voice changed.
“I needed access.”
Gerald stood.
“Access to what?”
Melissa answered before Grace could.
“His private office.”
Victor’s face emptied.
