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did all this to make sure Ruby Tate was happy living

with another man? Is that what you want this court to

believe?"

"It's true," Beau said.

Monsieur Williams widened his smile. "No

further questions, Your Honor," he said. The judge

told Beau he was excused. He looked very dark and

troubled as he returned to his seat beside me. "Ruby," Monsieur Polk said. I nodded and he

called me to the stand. I took a deep breath and with

my eyes nearly closed, walked to the witness chair.

After I was sworn in, I took another deep breath and

told myself to be strong for Pearl's sake.

"Please state your real name," Monsieur Polk

said.

"My legal name is Ruby Tate."

"You have heard Monsieur Andreas's story. Is

there anything with which you wish to disagree?" "No. It's all true."

"Did you discuss this switching of identities

with your husband, Paul, and did he indeed agree to

the plan?"

"Yes. I didn't want him to be so involved," I

added, "but he insisted."

"Describe the birth of your child," he said, and

stood back.

I told the story, how Paul had been there during the storm to help with Pearl's birth. Monsieur Polk then took me through many of the highlights of my life, events at the Greenwood School, the people I had known and things I had accomplished. After I finished with that, he nodded toward the rear and an assistant brought in an easel, some drawing pencils, and a

drawing pad.

Monsieur Williams shot up out of his seat as

soon as it was obvious what Monsieur Polk wanted to

demonstrate. "I object to this, Your Honor," Monsieur

Williams cried.