And she did.

CHAPTER 9 — ELIJAH RETURNS

Three weeks later, Elijah returned to Milfield.

Against the advice of almost everyone.

His daughter thought it was unnecessary.

Naomi thought it would become a media circus.

Elijah disagreed.

He wasn't going to meet Sullivan.

He wasn't going to the police department.

He was going to see Rachel Moreno.

The woman whose phone had preserved what happened.

They met in a small café.

Rachel looked nervous.

"Justice Carter, I can't believe you're actually here."

"Elijah is fine today."

"I don't think I can call a Supreme Court Justice Elijah."

"Then we're going to have a very awkward lunch."

She laughed.

The tension disappeared.

Elijah thanked her for recording.

Rachel shook her head.

"I almost didn't."

"Why?"

"I thought maybe I was interfering."

"You weren't."

"I didn't know who you were."

Elijah smiled.

"That's why the recording matters."

Rachel became serious.

"I've been thinking about that."

"So have I."

"If I'd known who you were, I would've recorded immediately."

Elijah nodded.

"But you recorded anyway."

"Eventually."

"That's enough."

Rachel looked through the café window.

"Can I ask you something?"

"Of course."

"Were you scared?"

Elijah considered lying.

Then decided against it.

"Not exactly."

"What were you?"

"Disappointed."

Rachel looked surprised.

"I've spent most of my life believing institutions can become better when people inside them take their responsibilities seriously."

"And now?"

"I still believe it."

"After that?"

"Especially after that."

She stared at him.

Elijah continued.

"If one bad experience could make me abandon the idea of justice, then I never believed in justice. I only believed in comfort."

Rachel was quiet.

"That's very judge-like."

Elijah smiled.

"I'm afraid the condition may be permanent."

Before leaving, Rachel asked one final question.

"What do you want to happen to Sullivan?"

Elijah took his time answering.