Sero could see it, the weight of the burden in the lines etched into his brow, the twitching at the corner of his eye. She wrapped her arms around his waist, trying to dissipate some of that tension from his body.

His voice dropped to a whisper. “I wake up in the morning with an aching jaw, from grinding my teeth all night. I’ve never done that before now. And this.” He pulled up one of his long sleeves to reveal a chalky white rash covering his arm. “Caused by stress.”

“What can I do?” Serotina asked, interlacing her fingers with his. “Let me help you. I want to help.”

“I know,” Micah said, leaning forward to kiss her forehead. “I know everyone here will sacrifice when called upon, just like I am now. That’s what keeps me going. We’re going to win this, Sero. We’re going to fulfill our vision here at the Sanctuary, together.”

Sero smiled, believing him with all her heart. It wasn’t his temper she’d seen just now; it was his passion. The same passion that had helped grow four hundred pounds of organic produce at the community garden, that had helped August overcome his addiction, that had helped Ericka leave her abusive relationship, that had helped her release the guilt she had been carrying since Prem’s death six years before. His passion had made so many good things possible, and she felt honored to be witnessing it. She promised herself she would do whatever she could to help the Sanctuary succeed, to be the confidante and support Micah needed.

38 | The Olanders

April 2015

“The only thing left for Keith to do was secure Jaya’s signature on the transfer documents. His accountant had asked him repeatedly if he was certain about this; it was unusual to transfer a large quantity of assets to an ex-spouse without any court order to do so. Jaya would be able to do as she wished with the money, the accountant advised: spend it all, run off with a new man. Keith laughed at that proposition. Clearly, his accountant had never met a woman like Jaya. Yes, Keith was certain. As soon as Jaya signed those papers, he could take some solace from knowing that whatever happened to him, she and Karina would be taken care of in the future.

Establishing the accounts, orchestrating the transfers and completing the associated legal and tax paperwork had given him something productive on which to focus the past several weeks, as his attorney learned more about the SEC’s case against him. Keith had, as his lawyer had advised, already set aside the requisite assets to cover the stock gain, potential penalty and legal fees.

“I’m trying to sit down with the SEC to discuss the civil charges, but they’re taking their sweet time,” Carl said. “The good news is the DOJ doesn’t seem too interested in pursuing criminal charges, Keith. Lucky you’re in Silicon Valley. They’d probably make you an example if you were in New York, but in California they’re more focused on border crimes—drugs, immigration.”