“We have a witness who says they saw Jordyn push Cora down at the train yard as well as some other evidence,” Officer Wilson says.

Thomas looks at his granddaughter, who strangely is not protesting the claim. “There has to be some kind of mistake,” he says.

“I’m afraid it’s not a mistake. I have a warrant to search your home.” Officer Wilson hands Thomas a piece of paper.

Thomas thinks of the book bag shoved up into the fireplace. They can’t know about that, he tells himself. “Jordyn, go inside.” Thomas points toward the house. “Right now.”

“Come here, Jordyn,” Officer Wilson says, her voice steely. Jordyn looks between Officer Wilson and her grandfather, uncertain as to what to do.

“Who is this witness?” Thomas asks. “Jordyn already told you everything she knows. She wouldn’t hurt anyone.”

“We’ve got some more evidence that we need to sort through and in the meantime Jordyn needs to come with me,” Officer Wilson says, reaching into her pocket and pulling out her phone.

“You’re calling for backup?” Thomas asks, stepping forward. “Seriously?”

“Relax, Mr. Petit. I’m not going to call for backup unless you do something stupid. I want to show you something.” She taps her phone and turns the screen so Thomas can view it.

“Jesus Christ,” Thomas murmurs as he rubs a hand across his face. “Jesus Christ, Jordyn.”

“What?” Jordyn asks in a soft voice and Officer Wilson tilts the phone so Jordyn can see.

It’s a photo of the three girls standing in front of what appears to be a boxcar scribbled with graffiti. It’s dark out and the three girls are smiling, mugging for the selfie that Violet Crow is taking. But it’s what is in Jordyn’s hands that chills Thomas to the bone. Jordyn, wearing the light blue fleece jacket that had the blood on the sleeve, is standing behind her two friends. In one hand is the strap of Jordyn’s book bag and in her other, poised above Cora’s head, is a knife. She has a mischievous grin on her face.

“Someone grabbed the shot from Snapchat,” Officer Wilson says, putting the phone back in her pocket. “Now you can see why we need to bring Jordyn to the station.”

“Jordyn?” Thomas’s voice cracks. “You said you left before you got to the train yard.”

“No,” Jordyn says, shaking her head. “I didn’t. I didn’t do it, I promise. Cora pushed me first. I just pushed her back. I swear I didn’t stab her.”

“I believe you,” Thomas says but there’s no conviction behind his voice. “Don’t worry, we’ll get it all straightened out.”

Another police car pulls up and a male officer steps from the vehicle but keeps his distance. “Jordyn Petit,” Officer Wilson says, “you are being arrested for the attempted murder of Cora Elizabeth Landry.”