“I had some words about it with Brantley. I told him it wasn’t cool to offer her up that way. He told me to shut up and mind my own business. He said I was a pussy because I didn’t want to do her. I told him I didn’t want his sloppy seconds, and he punched me in the chest. I hate that the last thing I said to him was that he was a douchebag.” He swiped at new tears. “He was my friend even if he could be a douchebag at times.”

“While you were there, did you take anything or drink anything?”

He glanced nervously at his dad. “I took some Molly, but I didn’t drink anything. I don’t like vodka or beer.”

“And what time did you leave?”

“I think it was around ten-thirty or so. Some other people were leaving, so I went with them to get a ride home.”

“Besides the nine victims, can you tell me who else was still there when you left?”

“The chick who’d been with Brantley. I don’t remember her name. Her friend who had a weird name. Started with an H.”

“Hoda?”

“Yeah, that’s it. Some other guys were still there too. I don’t know who they were.”

“This has been really helpful, Tyler. I appreciate you coming forward.”

“That’s it?” Tyler asked, wide-eyed and incredulous. “I’m not in trouble?”

“I assume you’re in trouble with your parents, but you won’t be charged with a crime, if that’s what you mean.”

Jeff and Pauline sagged with relief.

“I’d recommend you stay away from situations where there’s underage drinking and drugs present,” Sam said. “Nothing good ever comes from that.”

“I know,” Tyler said, looking much younger than his seventeen years as tears streamed down his face. “I can’t believe what happened there after we left. It’s like a bad dream.”

It was a nightmare that would stay with the kids who’d gotten out alive for the rest of their lives. Sam didn’t feel the need to share that thought with Tyler, who’d already been through enough. She asked him to write down his name, address and phone number in case she needed to follow up with him. As they were leaving, she shook hands with Tyler and his parents.

“Thanks for coming in. I appreciate it.”

“We asked for you because we know you’re fair,” Pauline said. “I’m glad we did.”

“That’s nice to hear. Thanks.” She walked them out and returned to the interrogation area to see where they were with Brody Mitchell and found Gonzo and Freddie leaning against the wall outside the room, both messing around with their phones while they waited.

“They’re still in there?” Sam asked.

“Yep,” Gonzo said. “What was that about with the visitors?”