"You weren't supposed to."
"You called me from jail. You need an attorney."
"I told you not to tell my parents."
"I didn't. And if Aunt Kora's your attorney, she has to keep things confidential."
Aunt Kora steps in front of me. "Blue, are you okay?"
My insides turn to mush. Fresh tears fall.
She tugs me into her and holds me tight. "It's okay."
"It's not," I insist, my voice breaking.
"Take some deep breaths," she advises.
After several moments, I calm enough to retreat and sit, stressing, "I don't want my parents to know. I won't let this become a family disaster."
Aunt Kora studies me for a long moment. "You're putting me in a difficult position."
"I'm invoking my attorney-client privilege," I say firmly.
She sighs. "This is going to be hard to keep from getting back to them, Blue. The entire squad knows the Ivanovs."
"So make them shut up," Demi says.
Aunt Kora shakes her head. "It's not that easy."
Demi's eyes flash. "It can be. You can threaten them."
Aunt Kora lifts a brow. "Threatening officers inside their own station won't help Blue. And it's best if you sit there and stop talking."
Demi rolls her eyes. "Fine."
Aunt Kora opens her purse and pulls out a small notebook and pen. "Blue, look at me."
I drag my gaze up.
Her eyes are steady, sharp, and annoyingly warm at the edges. "I need you to be honest with me. Understand?"
My throat crackles. "They're saying I assaulted an officer."
Aunt Kora's pen scratches once. "Yes. They booked you for it."
"They're lying," Demi spits.
Aunt Kora shoots her a dirty look.
Demi holds her hands in the air, wincing, "Sorry."
A quick rap that carries authority hits the door.
Aunt Kora turns her head without shifting her posture. "We're in a private consultation."
The doorknob rattles anyway. A voice filters through. "Two minutes."
Aunt Kora's jaw tightens a fraction. "We'll be done when we're done."
