“You really believe I’d do that to someone?”

“I don’t want to, but until it can be proven otherwise I need you to accompany me to the station for questioning.”

“I can’t believe you’re doing this, Chief Blake. Piper would never do that to Mary, no matter how much she deserves it.” Mr. Goldhirsh stepped to Piper’s side, wrapping an arm around her shoulders.

The chief looked in pain. “You don’t want to go around saying things like that, Mr. Goldhirsh.”

“It’s okay.” She patted his hand, even though it was far from that.

“I need you to come with me now, Piper.”

“I’m innocent,” she whispered as Jack stepped up and hauled her into his arms. “I didn’t do it.”

“I know.” He held her close. “But you have to go with Chief Blake, Pip, for questioning. We’ll be there with you.”

She looked up at him and saw her fear mirrored in his eyes.

She hurried upstairs to change and while she did, her mother stood beside her, a solid presence as she always had been.

“Look after Grace until I return, Mom. Hopefully I won’t be too long.”

“I will, and you’re innocent so everything’s going to be okay.”

“I’m so scared.” Piper shuddered as her mother hugged her. “You really believe I didn’t do it, don’t you, Mom?”

Her shoulders were grabbed and she was eyeballed by a ferocious pair of green eyes.

“Piper Trainer, I raised you and know you better than anyone. You’re honest and loyal, and would rather hurt yourself than anyone else. No way would you poison a person; it’s not in your nature, baby.”

“Thank you.”

She quickly pulled on jeans, a long-sleeved gray T-shirt and thick black sweater, and then her boots.

“Okay, I’m ready.”

Joe was roaring at Chief Blake when they arrived back downstairs. Buzz had followed him inside, and immediately came to her side.

“Hey, boy.” She dropped down and hugged him close. She then rose and kissed Grace. “I’ll be back soon, sweetie.”

Luke had been hauled out of his bed, and Bailey was there too.

“Oh God, Pip, I’m so sorry this is happening to you.” Bailey hugged her hard. “We’ll get it sorted, you have to believe that.”

She sniffed and swallowed back the tears. No way was she being driven through town in a police car crying.

“I’m driving her to the station. If she’s not under arrest, I can do that.” Joe’s jaw looked as malleable as granite.

“It’s just questioning, Joe.” Chief Blake sighed. “For pity’s sake, I’m just driving her to the station and then I’ll drive her home again when we’re done. Cut me some slack here.”

“I’m taking her or she’s not leaving this property.”