“Are you serious?”
“Yes.”
“We can’t possibly accept it,” I say.
“Why not?”
“It isn’t right.”
“They’ve insisted. Besides, it’s already a done deal.”
“Come on, Rosie.”
“You come on, Mike. Get off your high horse. How much is Nate’s life worth? We busted our butts for them. We stopped an execution. We’ve been harassed and threatened. We just took a hundred grand in legal fees from them. If they want to give us a gratuity, we shouldn’t deprive them of the pleasure.”
“It still isn’t right.”
“For once in your life, swallow your pride. Accept a gift graciously.”
“And if I say no?”
“Then I’m going to accept it myself. If you want to be pigheaded about it, that’s your business. If Ilene Fineman wants to share part of her trust fund with me, I’m prepared to accept it—woman to woman.”
“Are you sure you really want to do this?”
“I’ve never been surer about anything in my life.”
I glance down at the papers. “Did you notice that they put the deed in both of our names?”
“I did.”
“Do you think they’re suggesting something?”
“Like what?”
“That we should move in together?”
“I think they’re giving us the option.”
Here we go again. “How do you feel about it?”
She gives me the knowing smile that I’ve found irresistible for almost two decades. “We seem to do better when we have a little separate space.”
“I agree.”
“I still think we should accept their gracious gift. I can continue to live here, and you can keep your half as an investment.”
I look around at our new estate. “Why not?” I say. “It isn’t St. Francis Wood, but it isn’t bad.”
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I am very grateful to the many people who have been so generous with their time and expertise in contributing to this story.
Many thanks to my publisher, David Poindexter, for your insight, wisdom, and support. Thanks to my tireless and patient editor, Dave Adams, for your perceptive comments, thoughtful suggestions, and unfailing good humor. Thanks also to Scott Allen, Julie Burton, Melanie Mitchell, Elizabeth Poindexter, Dorothy Carico Smith, Megan Murphy, and the entire team at MacAdam/Cage. You make my life a lot easier, and I’m very appreciative.
Thanks to my agent, Margret McBride, and to the team at the Margret McBride Literary Agency: Donna DeGutis, Anne Bomke, and Faye Atchinson. You’re the best!
Thanks to criminal-defense attorney David Nickerson, and to John Donhoff and Mark Howell of the California Attorney General’s Office, who provided insights into the Byzantine world of death-penalty litigation. You are extraordinary professionals who embody everything that is admirable about the legal profession. Keep fighting the good fight.
Thanks to Bonnie DeClark, Meg Stiefvater, Anne Maczulak, Liz Hartka, Janet Wallace, and Priscilla Royal for looking at the early drafts of this book and providing insightful comments. Thanks to Bill and Elaine Petrocelli for your ongoing support.
Thanks to my friends and colleagues at Sheppard, Mullin, Richter & Hampton for your continuing support and encouragement.
Thanks always to Charlotte, Ben, Michelle, Margaret, and Andy Siegel; Ilene Garber; Joe, Jan, and Julia Garber; Roger and Sharon Fineberg; Jan Harris Sandler and Matz Sandler; Scott, Michelle, Stephanie, Kim, and Sophie Harris; Cathy, Richard, and Matthew Falco; and Julie Harris and Mathew, Aiden, and Ari Stewart.
Finally, thanks to my wonderful wife, Linda, and our twin sons, Alan and Stephen, for your unending support and understanding—especially when I’m on deadline. I can’t do this without you!
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