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“Rose’sto her feet “It’s nice to meet you”

Instead of shaking Mo I almost smiled as Mom’s eyes widened at me over Lou’s shoulder

“Careful, Mom,” I said “She’s a kisser”

“I wait until the second date for kissing,” Lou said as she let go She opened her ain as two policemen stepped off the elevator

“Showtime,” my mom said under her breath “You up for it?”

I got to

“So hiroup and the cops

“Man, you knew there were gonna be questions,” the younger cop said “Don’t give us shit, and we can be out of here quick”

“Ask your questions,”up from his seat

“For starters,” the older cop said, “how’d yourlike he’d been tortured and covered in stab wounds?”

Lou inhaled sharply, but kept her shit together

“Your guess is as good as ate in that condition”

“That’s the story you’re going with?” the younger cop asked, surveying the room

“Only story there is,” Dragon replied

“What happened to her?” the cop said, gesturing toward me with his chin

Dragon turned to look at me “What?” he asked innocently

“Woust “Miss, can you come over here, please?”

I kneould happen, but I still felt my heart pound as I ly, Lou ithmine

“Yes?” I asked when I reached them

“What happened to your face, ma’am?” he asked kindly

“The eye?” I asked, cocking ure out why he was asking

“Yes”

“I got elbowed in the face,” I said with a shrug, “wrestling with my cousin last week”

“Wrestling with your cousin?” he asked dubiously

“She’s thirteen and she tried to steal my remote,” I replied

“You leave any marks on her?” he snapped

“Over a reust “Of course not”

He stared atmoment “Ma’am, is there a reason that you haven’t seemed to um, bathe—”

“Now, that’s just insulting,” Louise snapped

“I apologize,” he stuttered

“We done here?” Dragon asked