LeMarcus’s expression makes clear that he’ll tolerate his client lying to his face, but not throwing her life away. It’s almost as if he takes personally my refusal to turn on Stuart. I remember feeling that way with witnesses too.

“I can suggest that you wear a wire,” he says. “All you need to do is tell Stuart about their theory and see what he says.” He must see reluctance in my eyes, because then he adds, “Dana, if you don’t help them, they can’t help you. You know that. And it’s my professional opinion that you’re going to be convicted. Your only way out is to help them to prove that Stuart is guilty.”

“How’d the meeting go?”

For a moment I’m worried that Stuart can read my thoughts, or is having me followed. I didn’t tell him that LeMarcus and I were meeting with Ella Broden and Gabriel Velasquez today. Then I realize that his question doesn’t refer to them. He doesn’t know about that meeting. He’s just asking his usual question about my day with LeMarcus.

“Fine.” Then I shrug. “I don’t know how anything is going anymore, to tell you the truth.”

He nods in solidarity. He believes we’re still allies in the fight for my freedom.

What would he do if he knew otherwise? Would he kill me?

Stuart committed murder to protect our marriage, and yet I’m far from certain that he wouldn’t kill me to save himself.

“Is Jacob in his room?” I ask.

“No. He was at a playdate with Ross today, and Ross’s mother asked if he could have dinner at their house.”

I’m sorry that my son isn’t home, especially when I’m now cognizant of how little time I might still have with him. Then again, I need to be alone with Stuart tonight. I wonder if he sensed that somehow too.

“Come into the living room,” I say. “I need to discuss something with you.”

He follows me obediently. I stop at our sofa, and he sits beside me.

“What is it?” he asks.

“I haven’t wanted to talk about Lauren’s murder, but there’s one thing that we need to discuss. And I want you to tell me the truth, okay?”

“Of course. I’m happy to discuss it. The only reason I didn’t was because you said you didn’t want to.”

“Well, I need to talk about it now.”

He looks at me, waiting.