Mercer seemed to understand the answer without taking offense. "You sound tired, Ms. Bell."
"I am. And suspicious."
"Yes, that sounds much healthier under the circumstances." For the first time that day, Lena almost smiled.
Mercer asked her to describe, in her own words, exactly what had happened in the ballroom and everything Charles had said afterward. He did not interrupt often, and when he did, it was only to clarify specific parameters.
*"Was Annie touched or pressured physically?"*
*"Were there independent witnesses to the exact wording?"*
*"Was there any written contract or baseline offered?"*
*"Did anyone suggest the immediate removal of the child from your custody?"*
*"Did Victor Hale speak directly to you of press strategy?"*
*"Did Charles retreat from his public promise once the room changed?"*
Lena answered each question carefully, her voice steady. By the time she finished, her break time had gone cold around her and the muscles between her shoulders ached.
Mercer was quiet for a moment. "What Mr. Whitmore said publicly was incredibly reckless," he said finally.
"I know."
"But it was not meaningless," he added. "That is what complicates this."