And it more or less confirms what Dan suggested. No one arrived at the party intent on killing Jamie; it was all decided on the spur of the moment.
There’s still so much I don’t understand, though. Percy claimed twice to me that her involvement with Jamie was more serious than anyone knew and that he hadn’t wanted to “go public” with it. Could that possibly be true? Shedidhave a key to the house.
What’s eating at me most of all: What did she means when she talked about Jamie’s “sins”? I can’t help but wonder if there was a secret side to him that I never saw.
Exhaustion soon overtakes me, and I feel myself drift off.
28
IONLY MANAGE TO GET ANOTHER HOUR OF SLEEP BEFORE SUNLIGHTforces my eyes open. After a hot shower and some scrambled eggs, I drive to the state police headquarters, about twenty minutes away, far more jittery than I’d like to be.
I’m interviewed by a burly, bearded trooper named Robert Rudnick, and after recounting my experience for a second time, I review and sign the written statement. He gives me no reason to think he doubts my version of events, but I’m still aware that the police might be reserving judgment.
“What about Percy West?” I inquire before rising. I’ve been worried ever since I woke up from my nap, wondering if she somehow managed to talk herself out of being arrested.
“Charges were filed against her already,” the detective says. “They include burglary, aggravated assault, and unlawful possession of a weapon. There was enough evidence to show she had intent to commit a crime.”
“Is she okay?” That’s been worrying me, too, the idea that I might have injured her more seriously than I thought.
“She suffered a mild concussion but she’s being released today from the ER—and as soon as that happens, she’ll be taken into custody.”
I exhale. “Thank you. Just one last question. Has someone beenin touch with Detective Calistro, who’s investigating Jamie Larsson’s death?”
“Yes,” he says without hesitation. “He’s been looped in.”
Finally, I think, as I hurry outside.Finally, finally, finally.
Crossing the parking lot, I scan the area. I’d half expected to see Sam dropping by while I was here, but there’s no sign of him or his car. Once I’m in the driver’s seat, I text Ava to say I have something important I need to tell her. I also leave a message for Clarissa, the rental manager, figuring I should bring her up to speed about what happened.
As soon as I return to the house, I plunge into work at the dining room table. Though I’m still shaken and bleary-eyed, I manage to concentrate for a stretch, energized in part by caffeine but also by what last night means. Though I didn’t love Jamie the way he deserved to be loved, and I upended his world, I came here and kept poking until the truth came out. No one’s going to think anymore that he gave up on life. His killer will be sent to prison. And Drew is going to know that all my efforts were worth it.
At just before eleven, Ava calls.
“Oh, Kiki,” she exclaims. “Sam just gave Vic the news. We can’t believe what happened to you and what it means about Jamie.”
“I know. It’s good to know the truth, but it’s also devastating.”
“Sorry not to respond to your text immediately, but I only saw it when I went to call. Is there anything we can do for you?”
“I’m okay, thanks,” I say, feeling better just from the sound of her voice.
“You must still be in shock, though. Would you like to stay at our place for a few days?”
“That’s so kind of you, Ava, but I’ll be fine. The police will be arresting Percy as soon as she’s released from the ER, and they kept the key she used to get in.”
“Won’t you join us for dinner, at least?”
“Thanks for that, too,” I say, “but I think it’s best for me to stay in and chill tonight.”
What I don’t say, of course, is that I’m hoping to see Sam this evening. Surely he’ll want to be together again.
“How about coffee tomorrow morning, then?”
“Absolutely.”
She suggests ten o’clock at a café between her place and mine; before signing off, she urges me to get in touch if I feel at all stressed.
A few minutes later, I’m relieved to see a text from Sam, asking me to give him a call.
