Page 57 of Keeping Secrets

“No, that’s all right.” She set the mug down, still half full, and stood.

Then she sat back down.

“Detective Riegler?”

“Yes?”

“Is this a murder investigation?”

“I’m afraid I can’t disclose that at this time.”

“Right. Okay.”

“You’re not a suspect,” he said gently.

“No. I know. Thank you.” She stood again. “Good luck with your investigation, Detective.”

“Thank you, Miss Thompson.”

She turned and left, walking woodenly out through the glass doors and into the rare winter sunshine. Her legs shook as she made her way carefully down the stairs and across the parking lot. Her hand trembled as she unlocked her car and opened the door.

Once she was safely in the driver's seat with the door closed against the wind and the world, she broke down and cried.

For a long time, she sat there sobbing.

Finally, when the sobs had subsided enough for her to catch her breath, she texted her sponsor.

SOS.

Three little dots appeared almost immediately, followed by a message: I’m here.

Keely started to cry again, a wave of relief mixed with shame.

Where are you? read the second text. Are you okay to drive?

Maybe. I think so. I can’t stop crying, she texted back with shaking hands.

Okay. I’m here. It’s okay. Don’t drive until it’s safe to. This will pass.

Michelle’s kind words just made her cry harder. She pressed her forehead to the top of the steering wheel and sobbed. When she’d finally cried herself out, she called Michelle.

“I’m here,” she answered.

“I’m sorry,” Keely said. Her voice was still shaky.

“Don’t be sorry. Where are you?”

“In my car. In a parking lot. At the police station.”

“You had the interview with the detective today,” Michelle remembered. “Did you already go in?”

“Yes.”

“Okay. And how did it go?”

“Fine. It went fine.”

“But talking about Adam was hard?”

---