She leaned forward as well, though her motions were more awkward due to her shackled hands and heavily bandaged legs. “You wouldn’t understand,” she informed him, tone equally solemn. “You don’t know me, Mr. Detective Phil. And you can talk and talk, and ask and ask, but it won’t matter. You don’t know me, and no amount of time in this room can change that.”

Her gaze shot to Adeline. “Same with you. All these monthly meetings, and what for? I’m nothing but a project to you. You don’t see me as a sister, not even a person. You flutter in, do your good deed for the month, then flutter away to your respectable job and fancy home. Only reason you’re here now is because you need something from me. Otherwise, I’d still be counting down twenty-nine days. That’s what I get to do in here, you know. Count down the days. How often do you do that?”

“Stop,” Adeline said calmly.

“Stop what?”

“The pity parade. That’s between you and me. Sisterly resentment for us to discuss in—you’re right—approximately thirty days. But this detective didn’t drive all the way here to listen to us squabble. This visit isn’t personal, Shana; it’s professional.”

Shana smirked. “’Cause you want something from me. That’s what it comes down to. You need something from me.”

“So,” Phil interjected briskly, trying to regain control over the conversation, even as his right hand resumed picking on his left thumbnail. “Let’s talk. You agreed to the request, after all, and it’s not like you have to.”

“You mean I can get up and walk away?”

“Sure. Right now. Leave if you want to. I’m sure you’re a busy woman. God knows I have plenty of things to do.”

Shana regarded him suspiciously. “You’re lying.”

“Have you been advised of your rights, Shana? Do you understand you don’t have to answer any of these questions? And you’re entitled to your lawyer being present, if you want.”

Now she snorted. “What’s he gonna do? For that matter, what are you gonna do? I’m already here forever. Can’t punish a woman any more than that.”

“Is that why you cut yourself instead?”

“Shut the fuck up!”

Which D.D. took as a yes.

Phil leaned forward. He had his hands clasped before him, his expression still patient. A man with all the time in the world and who was still waiting to be impressed.

“You know what I see when I look at you?” he asked now.

“The future Mrs. Detective Phil?”