CHAPTER 56

The police officers appear to have spent the last five nights sleeping in their uniforms. I most likely do as well.

I wait for the police to demand that this man—whoever he is—get out since I have no idea what to say or do. But not before he drags the chair back to its original location.

He must be a law enforcement officer. This kind of interruption of a police interrogation is not acceptable. Can they?

Maybe it's his turn to ask me to speak now that he's their boss?

I squirm to the edge of my seat, hoping I could push my chair back even farther so it wouldn't appear as though I'm uncomfortable with his calm attention.

"This time," the man replies, maintaining the same sluggish-eyed grin. Inspector Ferdinand gestured directly at me. "I'm shocked to hear that my client has been arrested," the caller said. He gives a theatrical palm clap over his heart, his face falling. "Amazed she's in this interview room by herself without me."

How come?

Thud.

I spring into action from my seat and q