The Center

Chapter 28 - A False Witness Who Speaks Lies

Nanny Bella blocked the entrance to the house even after the Virginia police officer showed her his badge. She had no idea that I was expecting someone eventually. After all, I was a witness to Daniel's presence in the Vaughn household. Once I convinced this cop of Daniel's guilt, he'd go away.

"Bella, let the officer inside." The moist December air sliced through my skin like a scalpel.

"But your parents aren't home."

"Are they ever?" I pushed past her and let him inside before closing the door. Growing up in California, I never once dreamed of a white Christmas. Cold weather blows. And now my perpetual guard allowed all of that cold to get to me.

I rubbed my palms together, as much to dispel the cold as my nerves. With a frown, Nanny Bella ushered the plain-clothes detective deeper into the foyer.

"Thank you, ma'am." The officer nodded at both of us before removing his gloves. He stuffed them into his already crowded pockets. He removed a crumpled handkerchief and rubbed his raw nose. "Sorry. The cold air gives me the sniffles."

Nanny Bella didn't answer, she just folded her arms and looked ready to kick him out again.

"Really, Bella, you act like he's come to arrest me or something." My caretaker's mouth dropped open like I'd used the f-word or something. I hoped the direct approach would assure the cop that I had nothing to hide. "Did you come to arrest me officer?"

Please say no. Please say no. Please say no.

"No." He pulled off his knit cap and exposed a clean-shaved scalp. It didn't look good on his lumpy head but I squashed my laugh.

"Where's your partner?" Nanny Bella began her own investigation.

"He's following up on another case." The detective rubbed his hands together. "I'm just here to ask a couple of questions."

"See?" I shot a look at Bella. If she stayed calm, I'd stay calm. I escorted the officer toward the spacious living room on the left. "Could you bring us some hot tea or coffee?"

"Si." She reluctantly turned toward the kitchen.

I smiled and extended my hand for him to enter the room. Christmas decorations crowded the mantel and French-pane windows. A professionally, decorated tree stood in front of a large picture window. The thick grass in the background would disappoint anyone hoping for a white holiday. The realistic gas fire warmed the air, although I still shivered.

"Please have a seat." I turned down the Christmas music. Nanny Bella always filled the house with the annoying sound of Bing Crosby at this time of year. Jingle bells and pregnant virgins meant nothing to me. People said Christmas was about family, but it only spotlighted the gaps in mine.

The man looked around the room, seeming to record every detail. He stepped toward the tree and fingered an antique ornament. "You have a very beautiful home."

"It's not really mine, now is it?"

"Oh?" He looked surprised.

I smiled. "I'm not old enough to own a house."

"I guess not." He chuckled as if he'd just remembered I was a minor. Thank goodness he wasn't too bright. I relaxed a little. I could do this. I could. My trail was covered.

Nanny Bella appeared at the door with a tray of coffee and tea. That was fast. She really wasn't about to leave me alone with this guy for a second. She placed the tray on the coffee table and asked him what he wanted.