"We don't know yet. That's why we're investigating. In addition to talking to your son, we'd also like to speak to the girl who lives here. One of my men said she was at the scene, claiming to be Novak's girlfriend. Do you know if that's true? Were they dating?"
My heart was already racing but now it's at an all-out sprint. Why is he asking about ME? Does he think I did this? Does he think I killed Kristen?
"Officer, I don't mean to be rude but I think it's time that you leave. Your department already has my lawyer's information on file. You can contact him in regards to your questions."
I hear the front door open.
"We'll be in touch," the officer says.
The door closes and I hear the lock click shut.
Brock returns to the living room, his eyes going to me. "We need to talk. Go to my office."
"Why? I didn't do anything."
"But they think you did. And I'm sure your mother never coached you on how to respond to questioning by police officers trying to link you to a murder."
"Punching Kristen wasn't enough?" Braden says with a laugh. "You had to kill her?"
"I didn't kill her," I say, glaring at him. "And neither did Jackson."
"Leave Jackson out of this," Brock says. "I don't want you trying to defend him. He can take care of himself."
"Of course I'm going to defend him!" I say, raising my voice. "He's my boyfriend!"
Braden smirks. "It won't matter what you tell the cops. Novak's going down. Killing two girls? He's gonna be locked away for a long time."
"Braden, enough!" Brock barks. "Rumor, go to my office! Now!"
I storm out of the living room, but stop on the other side of the wall when I hear Brock talking.
"Anything you boys want to tell me?"
"Like what?" Trystan asks.
"Do either of you know anything about this? About who might be involved?"
"Novak," Braden casually says. "Who else would it be? Novak and Kristen were always fighting. She probably took it too far and he killed her."
The room is silent, then I hear Brock again. "Trystan, go up to your room and stay there. You will not leave this house until I say you can."
"What the hell? I'm not staying here all day. I promised the guys I'd—"
"Up to your room!" Brock yells. "If you even attempt to leave, your car is gone. For good this time."
"This is bullshit," he says, storming off. I hurry down the hallway and stand up against the wall, hoping Trystan doesn't see me. He runs up the stairs and moments later I hear his door slam shut.
"I didn't fucking do it!" Braden yells from the living room.
I race back to where I was, hiding behind the wall.
"Why the fuck would I kill her?" Braden asks.
"Why was she here?" Brock demands. "At the house?"
"Why do you think?" Braden shoots back.
"Why would she suddenly have an interest in you? The two of you didn't exactly part in a cordial way."
