CHAPTER 49

"So, it seems like you've made some street friends." Detective Ferdinand assumes command, sounding almost kind.

I assume they aim to use this brief tape as evidence in court that they did not coerce me into making the confession they want me to make.

I remain silent.

It's evident. Detective Bradley scans through the file nonchalantly, resting his chin on one palm. But the green eyes he directs at me are anything but informal. "I believe a girl such as you made a lot of friends. You would frequently be discovered with them by some of my coworkers when you were supposed to be in school. Our archives span the years thirteen through seventeen, after which—well.

All of a sudden, you were no longer making street pals.

Though he won't say it out loud, he's thinking about calling me a prostitute. Both of them are.

Nothing I say will change their opinion that I'm a whore; they've already made up their mind. I take a seat back and wait for this interrogation to end so I can be taken to a quiet