I knew I shouldn’t have asked.
“He came in to interview the staff. He told me he was looking for evidence that would clear you. That he’s trying to find out who set you up. That’s the story he’s selling, anyway.” Her mouth twists and she rolls her eyes. “I’m not buying it.”
“So you think he’s lying?”
“I think he’s lying through his pretty teeth,” she says, her voice hard. “I think he’s saying that so everyone relaxes around him and lets things slip. I think he’s hoping someone gives him something he can use against you, and they’ll do it without realizing because they think he’s helping. So I’ve warned everyone.”
“You warned them? Why would you do that, Carla?”
“I’m telling them to be careful what they say to him. Not to volunteer information.”
I shake my head. “Carla, no. You can’t do that.”
“I can and I am.”
“You’re interfering with an active investigation. That is exactly the kind of thing that could get you into serious trouble. You could lose your job. You could end up in here with me, and I’m telling you right now, you would hate the outfit.” I look down at myself.
She lets out a small, surprised laugh.
So do I. The laugh wobbles in the middle and turns into something else, and I have to bite down on the inside of my cheek to keep my face together.
“I don’t care,” she says, when her voice comes back. “I gave him a piece of my mind earlier, actually. A big piece.”
I smile because I can picture it.
“You didn’t.”
“I totally did.” Her chin lifts. “I told him exactly what I thought of him, and it was very satisfying.”
Despite everything, the corner of my mouth twitches. “Promise me you’ll back off.”
“Robyn—”
“Promise me, Carla. Please. If something happens to you, I…” My voice catches. “I can’t have that on top of everything else. Just be careful, please.”
She breathes out. “Fine. I will be careful. But I’m still telling people to watch what they say.”
I let it go. I know that facial expression. Carla has made up her mind.
“Thank you for sticking up for me,” I say instead. “For caring. For being here. For all of it.” I draw in a slow breath.
“You know I love you, right?” A tear slides down her cheek.
“I love you too, my friend.” My voice catches.
“I almost forgot. I brought a few things for you,” she says, brightening a little. “I dropped a care package at the front when I came in. Nothing exciting. Some snacks, decent shampoo, the conditioner you like, and a few other things I know you can use. They have to check it all first, and then they’ll bring it to you when they’re done.”
It takes me a beat to be able to answer. “Thank you. I?—”
The male guard pushes off the wall and steps forward. “Time’s up. Wrap it up, please.”
“What? No.” Carla’s head whips around. “No, no. I just got here. That cannot be how long visits last.”
“Your time is up.” His voice is level but not unkind. “Please don’t make me ask twice.”
“Well, crap. I’ll have to come back.”
Her hand splays flat on the table on her side. Mine does the same on my side. We don’t touch. We don’t even try.
