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“I’m a one-man shop, Eva I can’t afford to take this case pro bono, and I won’t lie to you It’ll be expensive But I’ll save you money wherever I can ”

Lexi felt sick at that Her aunt already worked fifty hours a week to pay the ordinary bills Hoas she going to pay for this, too?

“I have sos,” Eva said “My husband’s life insurance ”

“No,” Lexi said “That’s your retirement ”

“Don’t argue with me, Alexa,” Eva said “It’s my money; I’ll spend it my way ”

Scot reached for a couple of business cards and handed the attorney’s office or another attorney contact you, say nothing and give theh I will tell the you and find out what I can If we’re lucky, they’ll decide not to charge you If we’re not…” He shrugged

Eva stood up “Thank you, Mr Jacobs ”

“Call me Scot Please And don’t you worry, Lexi We’ll keep you out of prison ”

“Are you sure about going today?” Eva said

Lexi stood at the , staring outside “How can I not go to my best friend’s funeral?”

“It won’t be easy ”

“I killed her,” Lexi said quietly “I don’t expect it to be easy ” She didn’t think anything would ever be easy again But she had to do this She had to stand there, asha and driving And she had to see Zach one more time—and his parents—and tell them how sorry she was

She went into the bathroolass rim of the bathtub She closed her eyes and felt Mia beside her Do you want to copole … she just caht up to me, Madre, and asked if she could sit down …my best friend …

Lexi cried until there was nothing left inside of her Then, drawing in a deep breath, she exhaled slowly and got to her feet

Feeling hollow and shaky, she dressed in a pair of plain black pants, black flats, and a short-sleeved blue angora sweater that Mia had bought for her