“Sophie is holding a folder like it betrayed her.”
The navy cover had bent beneath her fingers.
“Accurate.”
The curtain closed behind me.
Sophie reached me first.
“You exceeded five words.”
“By several.”
“You said you hurt her.”
“I did.”
“You implied there was a relationship.”
“I said she wasn’t a convenient friend.”
“That strongly suggests emotional involvement.”
“There was emotional involvement.”
Sophie looked at Rachel.
Rachel tucked Mayor Shelldon beneath one arm.
“I’m not mediating while carrying a political figure.”
“This is serious,” Sophie said.
“So is public service.”
Sophie turned back to me.
“You could have protected her with less information.”
“Yes.”
The answer stopped her.
I exhaled.
“I should have stopped after saying she hadn’t agreed to be discussed.”
Sophie’s expression eased by one degree.
“You should have.”
“Nina asked if I hurt her.”
“You were allowed not to answer.”
“I know.”
I caught myself.
