Page 108 of Regards, Mia

I’m friendly enough with the cops at the precinct to convince them to let me talk to Elena without his presence. Even though I’m not her lawyer, and she hasn’t spoken to me at all, I cash in a few favors and within minutes, Elena and I are in a room together.

She glares at me from bloodshot eyes. “Where’s my lawyer?”

“He’s late.”

“I’m not saying anything until he gets here.”

I fold my hands on the table between us. “I’m not the prosecution. I’m on your side.”

Leaning back in her chair, she crosses her arms over her chest. “You’re the one who got me into this mess in the first place.”

I want to point out that she wasn’t supposed to go to Mattson’s house until next week, but there was nothing to gain from beating her down. “Tell me what happened.”

Mia looks over my shoulder. “I’ll wait until my lawyer gets here. I’m not stupid, you know?” She laughs bitterly. “Or maybe I am. I trusted you. I thought you knew what you were doing.”

The accusations sting. Probably because they are true. But Elena hasn’t heard my story yet. “His dad came to my house,” Isay, feeling the anger and fear bubble to the surface. I’ve pressed everything down, but now I let it rise. “He wanted to kill me.”

“What?” Elena’s face pales. “Did he hurt you?”

I shake my head. “I got away.” I lean forward, pressing my palms against the scarred wooden table. “But I know what it feels like to feel trapped. Helpless.” I’m filled with the familiar anger that goes all the way back to college. “I’m here for you. I will make this right.”

Her eyes are flat and cold. “You said that before, and look at me.”

I press so hard into the table, I can feel the splinters in the wood. “Tell me what happened. I know you didn’t do this on purpose, and I am going to find a way to get you out of here.” My voice rises with conviction. “Justice needs to be served.”

She covers her eyes with her hands. “What if I don’t want to get out of here? What if this is the best place for me?”

Frustration makes me see red. “And your children? Where are they?”

A sob escapes her mouth. “They’re with my mom. Better off. Or so she says.”

Anger slices through my frustration. “Your mom doesn’t know what she’s talking about. They are your kids and they need you.”

“Not according to her. She never fails to remind me of what a disappointment I am.” She glances around the interrogation room with a sad smile. “And now this.”

We aren’t supposed to touch, but I reach out and take her hand. “Let me help you. Tell me what happened.”

Tears leak out from the corners of her eyes, and she lets them fall without wiping them away. “I don’t even know what happened.”

We were struggling for the gun.”

Morris Birchland bursts into the room. “Don’t say another word.” He glares at me. “How dare you try to steal my client?”

“I’m not stealing her. You were late.”

He runs a hand over his sparse hair. “I’m here now.”

Elena locks eyes with me, and we exchange unspoken words. The tension in the room is so thick, it leaves a bitter taste in my mouth. I clasp my hands on the table, my gaze pleading with her to give me a chance to make everything right.

Finally, Elena gives me a small curt nod, then directs her gaze at Morris Birchland. “You can go,” she says. “I choose Ms. James.”

My chest swells with hope, and I nod back at Elena. Morris Birchland mutters something about crazy women and picks up his briefcase.

“I’m keeping your retainer,” he says.

Elena’s eyes widen and her face pales. “You can’t do that.”

“He can,” I tell Elena, glaring at Birchland. “It’s an asshole move, but he’s an asshole.” I stand up and show Morris Birchland the door. “Get out.”

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