And just as it is the nature of men and women to build, it is also in our nature to begin again after disaster. This I know, too.

There is nothing left of the life I had here in San Francisco. I stand in the ashes of that life. And I realize with sudden relief that this is a gift to me as well. An amazing, wonderful gift. I can walk away and begin again, a step I have already mastered. I can do this. I have already done it. I am not some delicate thing that has been broken too many times. I am strong, I am resilient, and I refuse to be haunted by any ghost of Martin Hocking, dead or alive. I can walk back to the Townsend station, get on a southbound train to San Mateo, and never look back.

And then into this quiet and empowering meditation I hear a voice I recognize. I turn involuntarily toward the sound.

Libby from across the street is running toward me, calling my name.

26

INTERVIEW WITH MRS. SOPHIE HOCKING

CONDUCTED BY AMBROSE LOGAN, U.S. MARSHAL

CASE NUMBER 069308

Official transcript

San Francisco, CA

November 6, 1906

QUESTION: So it’s your belief, then, that Martin Hocking wed you to throw off suspicion that he marries women for their wealth?

ANSWER: That and he wanted a nanny and housekeeper for free. This is not just my belief, sir. It is fact.

QUESTION: And you say you arrived at this conclusion after meeting Candace Hocking?

ANSWER: Yes. Her father had reported Martin to the Los Angeles Police. Martin knew they’d be looking into his affairs. At what he does.

QUESTION: It is not against the law to marry a rich woman.

ANSWER: But Martin wasn’t taking care of Candace when she got sick. He was letting her die. Surely that is illegal. Contact the Los Angeles Police and they’ll tell you. Candace’s father reported him.

QUESTION: I have already been in contact with the Los Angeles Police.

ANSWER: So you know that what I’m telling you is true.

QUESTION: Candace’s father did in fact ask a detective in Los Angeles to look into Martin Hocking’s activities.

ANSWER: And?

QUESTION: And I am not convinced that proves Martin Hocking married you merely to throw off an investigation.

ANSWER: What other possible reason could he have for marrying me if not for that? I told you. I don’t fit his pattern. I don’t have any money. I don’t have anything.

QUESTION: But you have surrounded yourself with people who do have resources.

ANSWER: What . . . what do you mean?

QUESTION: You are the legal guardian of seven-year-old Katharine Hocking, heiress to Candace Hocking’s estate, and therefore you are guardian of the child’s substantial income, correct?

Interviewee doesn’t respond.

QUESTION: And you removed Candace Hocking from the Las Palomas Sanatorium in Tucson, where she was under a doctor’s care, and brought her to San Rafaela, where she was under your care. And not long after, she died. Isn’t that correct?