The police station was just as cold and impersonal in real life as it was on television. Rome sat in a stark white room, with only a desk, a few metal chairs, and a Styrofoam cup full of water someone had given him when they first brought him in. He’d refused medical treatment after the Coast Guard had torn him out of the water. He had a blanket wrapped around his shoulders. At some point, Bart had gotten his shirt and shoes to him, but he didn’t know where his phone was. All he knew was that Mark and Tim were dead, and the police were trying to figure out whether or not Rome had killed Tim or if it had been an accident.

“What in the world have you gotten yourself into now?” Monty Verona was clearly not happy, and even though Rome knew there would be dire consequences for all that had happened, he’d never been happier to see his father, or the lawyer by his side. Franklin McNair was one of the top lawyers in all of California, probably the country. If anyone could make sure Rome wasn’t charged with anything, it was Mr. McNair.

Rome’s mother was still crying. He’d been home for a few hours, and she was still sobbing as if he was the one that was dead. His father and McNair had spent most of that time in the study while Rome sat in his bloodstained shirt with his arm around his mother, apologizing. Eventually, the two men came out. “Lacy, why don’t you leave us be for a few moments?” Monty asked in a tone that conveyed it wasn’t a question.

The tinkling of pebbles hitting his window roused Rome from an uncomfortable, fitful sleep. He glanced at the clock and saw that it was past 3:00 in the morning. He thought he’d fallen asleep a little after midnight, but he’d been awake off and on for so long, he wasn’t sure what time it had been the last time he dozed off.Clanking noises continued to get his attention. Rome sat up, brushed back his hair, and took a deep breath. He assumed it had to be Bart throwing the rocks. He lived next door after all. He would wait until the chances were that e

The cemetery was beautiful. Flowers and plants in bloom were everywhere Ella looked. The sky was a brilliant blue, and it didn’t quite seem to go with the melancholy mood of the occasion. The casket they were about to lower into the ground contained the body of one of the most wonderful people she’d ever known. How dare the sky be anything but gray?Hundreds of people were there. Tim’s parents had decided to allow anyone who wanted to come to do so. Ella thought it was an odd choice, but who was she to argue with them?