Page 18 of His Prize

But, the second I looked over and saw a cop standing in the doorway, my mouth sealed itself shut. I looked over at Ash, and she put away her book, her back straightening for our company. And when I looked over at Israel, he slowly leaned back against his chair with his eyes dropping cement walls over his face in an instant.

“What can we do for you, Officer?” I asked.

He chuckled. “Well, I was hoping to speak to the victim of the car accident that took place last night. Can I come in?”

I nodded. “Of course.”

He came to stand at the foot of my bed as Ash stood from her chair, clasping her hands around her back. Which I’d quickly come to understand was her way of communicating the fact that she was ready to work.

“All right. What would you like to know?” I asked.

Israel spoke, “You don’t have to speak to him without a lawyer, you know?”

The officer cast him a knowing look, and it gave me more information to work with.

“I know, Israel. And thank you. Now, Officer, what can I help you with?” I asked.

He cleared his throat. “Mind if I record this conversation?”

“Yes,” Israel said.

I held up my hand. “No, sir. I don’t.”

Ash gave me a weird look but didn’t say anything as the officer dug out the recording device.

“Thanks. Wasn’t sure you’d go for that,” he said.

I nodded. “Whatever it is you have to ask me, I’ll try to help to the best of my ability.”

Ash interjected, “She doesn't remember much, though.”

Israel nodded. “And she needs her rest.”

I held up my hand. “Officer? You can begin anytime.”

He snickered. “Times are changing, I guess.”

Israel snapped, “What does that mean?”

I tossed him a look. “It’s okay, really.”

He sighed. “All right. But, I’ll be here if you need me.”

I nodded. “Thank you.”

The officer cleared his throat. “Start by telling me what you remember about the accident.”

I shrugged. “That’s the thing. I don’t remember much of it.”

“Well, just tell me what you remember.”

I clicked my tongue. “I mean, I went out to a bar to get a drink. I met with Israel—”

“Why were you meeting Mr. Rossi?”

I smiled. “Not relevant to this case, Officer.”

His eyes held mine. “All right. Continue, Miss Moretti.”

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