She stopped so fast Lani nearly collided with her. The detective gave her another searching look.
“Why do you still live out of a suitcase? Mrs. C had drawers put up there.”
“I have some things in them.” Lani shrugged, hoping that was answer enough. It was a faint hope at best.
“What’s the deal, Lani?”
“With what?”
“You.” Katie widened her feet and put her hands on her hips.
“Are you interrogating me?”
“Only as a friend.”
“Katie, I really can’t tell you what is going on with my life, only that I haven’t broken the law.”
“Okay, well that’s a relief, because now I don’t have to arrest you. What else you got?”
Lani exhaled.
“You can talk while we dress you.”
Katie towed her into a large bedroom where clothes were strewn everywhere.
“Wow.”
“It’s Cubby, he’s a real pig.” Katie laughed. Clearly that was not the case, as all the clothes were hers.
“Right. Strip off those clothes. What’s with those, anyway? They’re really hideous.”
“They help me hide,” Lani said without thinking.
“From?” Katie began rifling through clothes.
“People.”
“Well, that was obvious. If I guess who, will you tell me yes?”
“Maybe.”
“Try this first.” It was a black skirt and pale blue top. Both looked fitted, and Lani disliked them right off. “And how old is that bra?”
Lani looked down at the horror in Katie’s eyes. Her bra was faded and gray from washing repeatedly.
“Those panties are just as bad.”
“I’m not borrowing your underwear.”
“Okay, but you have to promise me you’ll buy some new stuff. Honestly, they are clearly from the Ark.”
“I don’t think Noah wore girls’ underwear.”
Katie snorted.
“So no to the skirt and shirt, is what I’m getting from that look on your face. How about this?”
It was a dress in olive green with buttons down the front. It looked less revealing, so Lani took it and pulled it over her head.
