Gertie sighed. "Well, you were right there when it happened. You saw it and I didn't. Once the shock wears off and you can think about this rationally, you'll be proud of what you did. That little kid is back with his mother because of you. You'll realize that soon."

"I don't want to talk to you anymore," said Charlene.

"You mean now or forever?"

"I don't know."

"Are you going to talk to the press? I see a couple of news vans around. I'm sure they'll want to do an interview."

"Hell no."

Gertie nodded her understanding. "All right. I'll leave you alone since that's what you want, but if you change your mind about wanting to talk to me, call me, no matter what time, okay?"

Charlene waved her away. Gertie left.

"You're okay," said the paramedic. "Blood pressure's a little high, but that's obviously not a surprise. There's nothing we can do for your ears, but the ringing should stop soon, just like if you went to a really loud rock concert."

"Yeah. Great fuckin' concert."

"It's none of my business, but I'm with your friend on this one. I was here when the dad said you were willing to trade places. That asshole was already over the edge. How it worked out is how it worked out, but that's not on you."

The paramedic helped Charlene out of the ambulance. A heavyset police officer walked over to her. He didn't look like he agreed with Gertie or the paramedic's assessment of the situation.

* * *

He made her tell the whole story. Then he made her tell it again.

She told him the complete truth. They hadn't done anything criminal, just stupid, and of course he'd be questioning Gertie as well so any attempt to distort the truth ("We were simply out for a walk") would be discovered. The officer might chew her out, but she wouldn't be charged with manslaughter or anything like that, right?

"Anything else you think I should know?" the cop asked.

"Nope."

"All right. Some reporters want to shove microphones in your face. You can talk to them if you want, or we can get you past them and into your car."

"I'd love it if you got me past them."

"Will do."

"So am I in trouble?" Charlene asked.

"Do you think a jury would convict you?"

"I'd like to think not."