Page 25 of Motion to Dismiss

“Yes. Yes, she has.”

“Which ones?”

“Seriously?”

“You might as well give me the details.”

“I don’t know all of them, but she’s just been cast in a lead role in Moulin Rouge. As of today, she’s accepted a job at a restaurant that puts on private dinner shows on the weekends—and yes, it pays pretty well.”

“Is she dating anyone?”

“No,” she says. “And even if she was, I would never tell you.”

“Why not?”

“Because I just managed to get you back to being somewhat normal, so I’ll never give you news that would break you down.”

“So, you’re saying she is dating someone?”

“I’m literally saying she’s not. Call me whenever you want to talk about a case.”

“Do you think she would pick up if I called?”

Beep!

You hung up on me?

Rachel

I saved you from yourself.

Fine. You’re still taking extra precautions while you’re stalking the estate, correct?

Yes. Thank you for sending me an extra security team.

You’re very welcome. Take care of yourself.

I set down my phone and decide to get some fresh air.

Changing into sweatpants and a T-shirt, I grab my keys and step into the hallway.

“Oh, there you are.” Peter Hansel is standing near the elevator, uninvited. Again.

Who the hell keeps letting you in here?

“Are you about to go for a run to clear your mind?” he asks.

Not wanting to take his bait, I avoid looking his way and hit the down button.

“I’m heading to the West Coast for a book tour,” he says. “You know, the one that was inspired by your father’s case.”

I hit the button again.

“I did the best I could representing him,” he says. “I really did.”

“If you felt that way, you wouldn’t be harassing me years later about it.”

“I just know you’ve spent so much time looking at things from your point of view instead of the victims.”