"The directive is real," he continued. "The vote record is accurate. The witnesses will testify truthfully because they were there and they signed what I asked them to sign." He paused. "I am not here to argue against any of it."
"Then why are we here," Damian said. His voice was flat. Controlled in the way that meant he was holding something back with both hands.
Malachai's eyes moved to him, then back to Eve.
"Because I wanted to explain it," he said. "Not justify it. I cannot justify it. But I wanted you to understand the calculation I made and why I made it."
Eve leaned back in her chair. The pendant was warm against her chest. The photograph was in her jacket pocket pressing against her ribs. Both parents with her in this room.
"Go ahead," she said.
Malachai looked down at his hands. His fingers were still folded together, knuckles white with pressure. When he spoke again his voice was quieter.
