"Rumor, would you like something to eat? Ana's here. She made some lunch if you're interested."
"I'm not hungry."
He opens my door. "You should try to eat something. It's going to be a long afternoon. The lawyers will be over to talk to Braden. I'm going to have them talk with you as well."
"I thought you weren't going to help me."
He sighs and walks over to me. "I'm sorry about earlier. I was feeling a lot of stress with everything going on with you and Braden." He puts his hand on my shoulder. "Of course I'm going to help you. I've already spoken to the lawyers about what's going on and they're working up a response."
"Response to what?"
"To the questions the police will ask. You'll need to prepare what you're going to say. The lawyers have come up with a draft. When you meet with them, you can modify it as needed."
"Why can't I just answer them? Why do I need a script?"
"The detectives will dissect everything you say. Using one or two wrong words could set them down a path of believing you had something to do with this. You need to use wording that implies your innocence."
"I don't need to imply it. I AM innocent."
"Rumor, would you please just cooperate on this? I've already been through this with Braden. I know what I'm doing."
"When will the lawyers be here?" I say with a sigh.
"At two. Why don't you go get something to eat? It might make you feel better."
Making my way to the kitchen, I see Braden coming toward me.
"Traitor," he mutters, shoving me as we pass.
"Asshole," I say as I continue to the kitchen.
Ana looks up as I walk in. "Would you like some lunch?"
"Not really, but Brock thinks I need to eat." I sit on the metal stool next to the island and watch her stir something on the stove. "What are you making?"
"More bone broth for Braden. His knee is bothering him again after the game last night." She turns to me. "How about a sandwich?"
"Grilled cheese?"
She nods and goes to the fridge.
"Did you hear what happened?" I ask.
"I saw something on the news," she says, getting a skillet out. "What would you like with your sandwich?"
"Chips, but I'll get them." I go over to the drawer where she keeps my junk food.
Braden walks in. "Ana, what the hell's taking so long?"
"It needs to simmer," she says.
"Fuck that." He goes to the stove. "Just give it to me now." He points to the skillet where Ana is making my sandwich. "Is that for her?" He glances at me.
"Yes. It won't take long, and then I'll get your broth."
"You'll get it now," he says in a low growl, his mouth lowering to her ear. "I don't wait, especially for that bitch."
I toss the chip bag aside and storm up to Braden. "Get away from her."
