"Got into the same vehicle?"
I hesitate before answering, but since he doesn't know who else was in the car, I respond. "Yes."
"He still had the gun while you were in the vehicle?"
"Uh," I stumble, not sure how to respond since Nina ended up taking it from him. I shrug evasively. "He had it when we entered the car."
Niall's mouth turns up slightly, aware of my creative truth. "Okay." He's quiet for a long time, his thoughts trapped behind the unwavering stare directed at his notepad. Niall lowers his hands and takes a breath before fixating on me with the same intensity. "Without a name, you'll most likely be found guilty of obstruction. But, we can make an offer to plead that out."
The next thing he says lights a fire in my gut. "You should name him, Lana."
"Why?"
"To protect yourself," he says firmly. "Especially since you weren't a participant in the robbery."
Anger lashes up my throat and out my mouth. "And what about everyone one else who was in that car with me? Am I supposed to just forget about how this could screw up their lives? To what? Snitch on someone who will never be convicted?"
"Why would you say that?" he asks, his brows furrowing. "We have him on tape. You're a witness. Everyone in the car saw you leave together, so they can confirm his identity as well."
"But we all covered it up. Even if no one knew exactly what happened, they knew something did. I won't bring them into this." I clench my fists. "So no, I won't name him."
Niall lets out a long breath. "You're not making this easy on me or yourself."
"What are you getting out of this?" I implore impatiently. "Does it have to do with my mother? How do you know her?"
Niall's face remains expressionless. "I want to help you, Lana. The life you've been given ... It's not your fault. You don't belong in here."
"What does that mean?" I demand.
Niall continues as if he didn't hear me. "I made a few calls this morning, and if the judge agrees, you may be transferred out of here." I lean forward in anticipation. "But you won't be going home
." My head cocks to the side, like I didn't quite hear him right. "You should be allowed the opportunity for a better life, away from all of this. A chance you won't be given in a detention facility."
"What are you talking about?" I ask. "Where are you planning to send me?"
"I still need to work out the details, so I'd rather not say right now."
I eye him suspiciously, hoping I didn't just make a mistake by allowing him to represent me.
"It's your only option, Lana ... if you want any sort of a life outside of prison." Niall closes the file and slides it into a leather attache case. "In regards to Allison Pixley, the girl in a coma, say nothing. If you're formally charged, that'll mean they have more evidence, and then you'll have to talk to me. But only then."
I consider nodding but fear the small movement could be taken as a sign of admission.
Niall pushes his chair back and stands. He's quiet, looming over me, focused on my face for a second too long. I notice a small muscle tick in his jaw.
"I promise to continue doing everything I can to protect you." And without another word, he walks away and knocks on the window of the metal door, letting the guard know we're done.
Beneath the tower lived a beast with silver eyes and long sharp fangs. His true form could only be seen at night. For when he stepped out into the daylight, he was wrapped in an enchanted cloak, disguised as a man. A falsehood that attracted women with sweet words and alluring charm.
"Keep the door open."
I shoot a strained smile at the cop standing guard outside my door, biting back a comment about what he can do with the doorknob and a certain body part. "Sure."
"You have fifteen minutes," he tells Nina and Tori before they enter. It comes out as a directive, like he's straight out of boot camp.
"What's with the babysitter?" Nina asks, winking at him.
Tori blatantly ignores him, too focused on the half-packed bags splayed out on my floor. "Why are you packing?"