𝐧𝐨 𝐛𝐨𝐝𝐲, 𝐧𝐨 𝐜𝐫𝐢𝐦𝐞- 𝐫𝐚𝐟𝐞 𝐜𝐚𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐨𝐧

11.

I sat across from Shoupe, picking at my fingers nervously. I had to answer all questions honestly so I wouldn't be caught in a lie, but also know the moment to lie so I wouldn't be caught in the truth. It made me sickening being in this chair right now.

Shoupe flipped through the file of Trevor's case. I couldn't tell if he was suspicious of me or not. I mean, I didn't even say a word except for a "good evening" so he couldn't. It all depended on how well I do today.

"How's it going?" Shoupe asked, calmly.

"Pretty good, I guess." I didn't know how to answer this either. If I should tell him I'm good or if I'm supposed to feel like shit because I'm supposed to be upset over Trevor's death.

I took in a deep breath, reminding myself of Rafe's reminders. I have to stay calm. I could already feel my hands getting clammy, so I shoved them into my lap and pretended like they weren't there.

"As you know, someone at the party said they saw you with Trevor." Shoupe started. "I'm not going to get mad about this party. Right now I'm here for the truth. I will be recording this conversation. Were you talking to Trevor that night?"

"Yes." I kept my answer short and simple.

"Were you specifically meeting him there?"

"No. In fact, that was the first night I met him. I was in the kitchen when he asked for my name."

I wondered how much these people gave away. Surely someone stepped up first, most likely the person trying to get me to admit my secret.

"This person claimed they saw you two going into a room together." Shoupe continued.

I froze in place, gulping. "I told my parents I would be home by midnight. Unfortunately, the time slipped away from me. This was my first party, so it was kind of scary to me, I guess. Trevor was kind enough to help me. He helped me figure out a lie, as bad as that sounds."

Shoupe nodded. "You've never seen Trevor before? No romantic feelings of any sort? Someone said you two were dancing pretty close."

I could feel my body crawling for a way out. My mouth felt tight as if hands were pressed against them. I shook my head. "I've heard about him from school, but honestly I didn't recognize him at first. It's been a little while. I never spoke to him before. He might've mistaken our night together. I did dance with him, but that was all."

"What time did you leave the party?"

"Around 12:30am. Give or take."

Shoupe stayed quiet for a moment, writing something down in his notes. Finally, he looked back up to me. I couldn't read his expression, but I guess that's what cops do best.

"Thank you for your time, Ms. Cowen." Shoupe stood up, ending the recording.

That's it? "Thank you." I stood up, shaking his hand.

He opened the door for me, escorting me to the lobby. He wished me a good day before letting me leave. I couldn't tell if that went good or if that went bad. There weren't many questions and that made me nervous but also grateful that there wasn't much to go off of.

By now it was raining. It was pouring by the time I got out of Shoupe's office. It reflected my mood perfectly, and for a moment I simply stood there and hoped that when the rain stops that it would wash away my worries and sorrows too.

Rafe grumbled as I took my spot in the passenger seat, my soaked clothes getting his nice leather seats soaked. He didn't ask many questions, but practically gave me the "I told you so" look. Now I have to wait and wonder who else Shoupe will call in.