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sanctions against you.”
    “Really?” Taylor said in a tone of pseudo-confident bravado. But his twitching Adam’s Apple gave the state of his nerves away.
    “Lets take a break. I need five minutes. Why don’t you come out with me?” Harlan reached for Kathy’s hand and led her out the door. It was a psychological technique. During the break, Harlan was counting on Taylor mulling over his conduct and deciding he shouldn’t risk sanctions. It was true that relevancy wasn’t a proper objection at deposition. But Judge Franklin wouldn’t warm to an over paid defense lawyer grilling an orphan for dirt on her parents. And no one wanted to enrage Judge Franklin.
    “We’re going to need a longer break.” Harlan put his head in the room.
    “She went to get her cat,” he said in a low voice only Stephanie could hear.
    They stood in the hallway.
    “Harlan, can I ask you something hypothetically?”
    “Sure. Fortunately, I’m not under oath.” He tugged boyishly at his tie.
    “Say you found out another attorney in your firm wanted to insert dates in documents. On the theory that he knows what date it must have happened, he just—”
    “—That’s fraud! I couldn’t offer that part of the bill in evidence. I’m a good lawyer. But I can’t create good evidence. And I can’t make bad evidence disappear.”
    “I’ve told Melvin we should settle this case.”
    “And?”
    Their eyes met again. It was crazy to trust Harlan. He was an opponent.
    “He won’t settle. Melvin’s theory is that in a few years, she’ll be a teenager who wouldn’t have wanted her parents around.”
    “Because the typical teenager would enjoy seeing her parents live abroad? You’re kidding, right?”
    “No. I can’t believe it.”
    “I heard you’ve had big verdicts.”
    “I got lucky,” he said modestly.
    Her mother always told her not to meddle in other people’s lives. Most of the time, it was probably a good rule. But Harlan could reach into someone’s life and make it better for having known him.
    “I’ve been doing this longer than you, Stephanie. I think you’re a sharp lawyer. I’ve read your stuff. You have good instincts.”
    “But can you really prove that Safety Tire had patented a safer design for multipiece wheels but chose this one instead? Can you prove that Safety Tire made a mercenary choice? That protecting profits meant more than protecting people? I know you can’t discuss any details but tell me honestly—”
    “—No way.” He grinned.
    “I’m a lawyer and I’m your opponent. I’m a man and I’m attracted. And you ask for honesty? No way, Stephanie.”
    Taylor Stanworth felt irritated. You could see the naked admiration on Stephanie’s face a mile away. And as good as he looked in Hugo Boss, she’d barely said hello.
    One flying leap and the cat came to a perfect landing on the table, scattering papers and spilling coffee. Kathy giggled.
    “Is this cat going to stay for deposition?” Taylor asked Harlan.
    “Yes. You can ask her any questions you want. My hunch is that she’ll refuse to answer.” Harlan said.
    “I’m allergic,” Taylor rubbed his nose.
    “Get over it. My client’s psychiatrist has recommended a pet for her well-being.” Harlan announced. He looked over at Stephanie. She looked away. Too quickly.
    “Who’s her psychiatrist?” Taylor licked his lips, discomfort temporarily forgotten, as his Mont Blanc pen poised over a yellow legal pad, and he salivated at the prospect of juicy mental health records.
    “Harlan Michaels.”
    “I can put her outside. I don’t want you to feel bad.” Kathy quietly picked up her friend.
    She stayed stoic, looking at the lawyers who continued to ask the same questions, but in slightly different ways, as if simple phrasing could translate tragedy to ordinary drama. No, she hadn’t been with her family on the day of the accident. She’d had a play date. Her friend’s Mom was making dinner and watching television when Kathy