CHAPTER 29

Flash of Hope

The detectives were in Seymour’s office when I returned from changing my clothes. Fabiero got up from her chair. “Miss Mills, tell us your version of what happened at the pool.”

“But I was told to wait for my lawyer,” I said.

Fabiero stiffened.

“Karla Di Genta’s advice,” Seymour said. He looked directly at me. “You’ll stay in isolation until your lawyer gets here. And you’ll be cuffed during transport. You’re a flight risk.”

“I’m telling you the truth.” I wanted to scream. “I wasn’t trying to run. I didn’t even know that pool existed until Darius took me there.”

Fabiero perked up. “So you want to make a statement?”

“My teacher told me I should wait.”

Sophie and Genie, led by an officer, passed by me on my way out. Sophie’s lips curled. Genie rolled her eyes. I cringed at the lies they were probably telling.

Solitude made me crazy. I worried about Cherry and felt guilty about Jesse’s arrest. I couldn’t bear the thought of being sent away with hardcore criminals. I really screwed up.

My lawyer finally showed up. The detectives started the questioning right away.

I could only imagine what kind of network Darius had. I’d heard about powerful people in the system. You didn’t want to mess with them. No way did I want to face Darius in court. Who was I kidding? I’d be the one on trial.

I explained to the detectives how I’d found Darius’s phone. Had he asked anyone else to pose for him?

“I discovered naked pictures of inmates,” I said. “Including Genie and Sophie.”

“Did you consider showing the pictures to someone, or turning in the phone?” the male detective asked.

I looked at him like he was crazy. “To who?”

“Mr. Seymour. Ms. Di Genta. Maybe another staff?”

“I didn’t know who I could trust. You can understand that.”

He sighed.

I told them about the note Cherry had left in my journal. Who knows where it was now? I explained how I’d asked Joyce to give it to Ms. D.

“But she never got it,” Arbor said.

“I know. Darius must’ve found out about it. That’s why I ended up in the pool.”

I explained how no one believed Genie snuck into my bed one night. Or that Sophie got out of solitaire way before I did.

“That’s why I ran,” I said. “There was no other way to see my mom before she died.”

My lawyer didn’t ask any questions. But he kept taking notes. He hardly looked up from his paper.

Ms. D visited me after I returned to the detention room. She said all staff had to remain on campus. Those not on duty were instructed to come in with their phones. I wouldn’t be allowed back in the dorm in case someone tried to get me for my ratting. For once I was happy to be in isolation.

“But, Ms. D, can’t they delete evidence from their phones before they turn them in?”

“It would seem. Maybe there’s a way to recover stuff.” She pointed to the mattress. “Do you mind if I sit?”

“Nope,” I said.

“What about the journal?” she asked.

“Cherry wrote me a note. She warned me about Darius and Sophie. I sent it with Joyce to class. Since you weren’t there, she just left it. Sophie or Genie must’ve gotten hold of it.” I rubbed my burning eyes. “Do you believe me?”

“Of course I do, honey,” she said. It reminded me of how Mama’s nurse talked to me in the hospital. I leaned in close to Ms. D. She put her arm around me.

“Darius was going to take pictures of me in the shower. I should’ve let him. At least they would’ve been on his phone.”

Ms. D spoke softly. “You said Darius came running in to pick up his backpack that day you saw his phone.”

“Yeah.”

“Maybe he got scared when he realized he’d left it. Maybe he deleted everything then.”

“Probably.” I started tapping my foot. “Has anyone checked the van driver’s phone?”

“I’m sure it will be checked. Why?”

“He had to be the one to take Cherry’s picture. Darius wasn’t there.”

“Whoever is involved has had time to erase the evidence.” Ms. D looked at her watch.

I didn’t want her to leave. “Can Cherry testify as an eyewitness?”

“Cherry doesn’t seem to remember anything. She just mentioned your name.”

“Maybe if I could see her.” I stood up.

“I don’t think so, Darlene.”

“What about going to inmates who’ve been released? Maybe they’d talk.”

“You’re right. The picture taking was most likely going on before you got here. We can ask the attorney about it tomorrow.”

“Ms. D, if we don’t find a way to prove the truth, I’ll be sent to state prison. Am I right?” I felt like I was drowning again.

“Darlene, don’t worry. There’s got to be a way.”

“Wait! The flash drive.” A jolt of hope shot through me. “How could I have forgotten about it?”