Judith was speaking to someone on the phone.
Then her voice rose.
“No, Morgan, you cannot come back here.”
Bell and I exchanged a glance.
A moment later, Judith appeared in the doorway, visibly shaken.
“That was Morgan,” she said. “She wants to collect her things.”
“Where is she?” Bell asked.
“Outside.”
Bell walked past us toward the front entrance. I followed more slowly.
Through the glass, I saw Morgan standing beneath the porch awning. Her coat was buttoned to the throat, her hair pulled into a neat knot. She looked composed, almost bored.
Tessa sat in a car at the curb.
When Morgan saw Detective Bell, the calm expression disappeared.
“I’m not going anywhere with you,” she said.
“No one asked you to,” Bell replied. “But I do need to speak with you.”
“I already answered questions.”
“You answered some questions at the hospital. We have additional evidence now.”
Morgan’s gaze moved past Bell and landed on me.
For a second, something like regret crossed her face.
Then it hardened.
“You came home just to destroy everyone’s lives.”
I felt the old anger rise, but I did not let it choose my words.
“I came home because my daughter was hurt and afraid.”
“She was confused.”
“She made a recording.”
“She was coached.”
“By whom?”
Morgan looked toward the car.
Tessa opened the passenger door but did not get out.
Detective Bell stepped onto the porch.
“Morgan, I’m asking you to come inside voluntarily.”
“I want a lawyer.”
“That is your right.”
“Then I’m leaving.”
