They brought her up to speed on Hoda’s involvement in the case.

“It’s possible she might’ve seen everything,” Sam concluded. “Based on what she said to me about saving Brooke’s life, I also believe she was the one who got Brooke out of there after the killings went down. Other than Brooke, Hoda is the only one we’ve been able to identify who might’ve been there when the killing happened and got out alive. I’m willing to deal on the malicious mischief charges associated with her busting Brooke out of school and the attempted murder charges in exchange for what she saw at the Springers’ house.” Sam paused before she added, “Despite her bluster, she’s an eighteen-year-old kid who got in way over her head, so let’s go at it with kindness until we have a reason to get tough with her.”

“I want to hear what she has to say,” Faith said, “but I tend to agree with the lieutenant about lesser charges in exchange for an eyewitness account to what happened in the Springers’ basement.”

“We’ll see what we can do,” Gonzo said. “Let’s get to it, Cruz.”

Freddie chased a bag of peanut M&M’s with a bottle of cola and followed Gonzo into the hallway that led to the interrogation rooms.

“Is he always eating?” Faith asked. “Or is it only when I’m around?”

“Sadly, it’s all the time,” Sam replied as she followed Faith to the observation room. “I swear I gain weight just by working with him.”

“He sure does wear it well.”

“That he does. I tell him all the time that I hope I’m around to see his metabolism grind to a halt the way mine has.” Sam clicked on the intercom so they could listen in to the interview with Hoda.

She was dressed in an orange jumpsuit. Her face was puffy and swollen from crying, and she slumped in her chair, showing much less bravado than she’d displayed earlier. Just as Sam had suspected, being booked on formal charges had taken the girl down a few pegs.

Gonzo introduced himself and reintroduced Cruz and went through the motions of getting her permission to record the interview.

“I’m going to be honest with you, Hoda,” Gonzo said, diving right in. “You’re in a shitload of trouble. Do you understand you’re looking at attempted murder charges for firing at my lieutenant?”

“Yes,” she muttered.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t hear you.”

“Yes! I know it was stupid, and it’s a big deal.”

“Do you know if you’re convicted on the charges, you’re looking at a long stay in prison, and that with four cops as witnesses to the shooting, the conviction would be a slam dunk?”