“Rose, what are you doing here?” Addison asked.
Rose sat in a chair in front of Officer North’s desk. Neither looked pleased.
“I’ve dropped the charges,” Rose said. “You’re free to go.”
“I … don’t understand?”
Rose snapped the clasp on the front of her purse shut and stood. “What’s to understand? I’ve explained everything to the police, and they’ve agreed to let you go. You shouldn’t be babbling on. You should be happy.”
What had Rose explained?
And how?
And why?
Any story Rose had given in an effort to undo the damage would have been fabricated, a consequence that could have Rose facing her own criminal charges. It was a risky move either way.
“What did you say to get me released?”
Rose gave Addison a look that said she couldn’t fathom why Addison couldn’t leave well enough alone and keep her mouth shut. “As I explained to Officer North, in talking to my son tonight, I learned you left your wallet at the house earlier today when you stopped by. He’d tried calling to let me know you were on your way, but I was already in bed and didn’t answer. He told you where the spare key was and advised you to pop in and out without waking me, which, of course, you did, until your overly nosey nature led you to the attic. No matter now. I know you meant no harm.”
It was, of course, a well-orchestrated lie.
Addison thanked Rose and turned her attention to the waiting room and to Luke, whose pained expression made it clear just how hurt he was over the ordeal. “Luke, I—”
“Let’s not talk about this now,” he said. “Let’s get you home.”
She nodded, and nodded, and nodded, the only thing she could do to keep from falling apart.
Addison and Luke descended the steps in front of the police station. Rose followed close behind. “I’d like to speak to Addison. Alone.”
Luke looked at Rose. “It’s the middle of the night.”
“It is, and we’re all tired. I could have left her in jail tonight, and I didn’t. I’m sure Addison’s aware I didn’t come here as some kind of Good Samaritan.”
“I’m aware,” Addison replied.
“We’ve all been through a lot tonight,” Luke said. “If I promise she’ll stop by in the morning, can it wait?”
“It cannot,” Rose said. “Why don’t you run along, Luke? I’ll see she gets home all right.”