“When did you see her?” asked Renfrew.

“On New Year’s Eve,” said Sarah. “She was walking up the stairs of the building when I was going out. We passed each other on the landing.”

CHAPTER 14

I got up, dropping my coat on the floor. “Excuse me,” I said, grabbing it and bolting. As I stumbled through the squad room, jaded detectives gave me a wide berth. My face was flushed and I kept my head down. Where was the bathroom? I ended up in front of a small window, taking deep breaths and trying not to throw up. A hand touched my shoulder.

“You look like I did the last time I tried to quit smoking,” said Bruxton.

I tried to give him even a shadow of a smile, but couldn’t manage it.

“You want to sit down? I can get you something to drink.”

I was panting and terrified I’d pass out. If Claudia had been in the apartment building on New Year’s Eve, it wasn’t much of a leap to suspect she was involved in the death of the woman who’d been found in the bathtub. My sister would be the prime suspect.

“Silent treatment. I’m used to that, you know.” Bruxton rubbed my shoulder gingerly, maybe expecting me to swat him away. He let go and leaned against the wall, watching me.

“I can’t believe that Claudia…” I didn’t finish the sentence. “I can’t believe Sarah said that. She doesn’t know what she’s talking about. My sister wouldn’t…” Kill anyone, I wanted to say. Claudia wouldn’t kill anyone.

“Take a breath,” said Bruxton. “These are new shoes. Don’t get sick on them.”

I stared at his feet. His shoes were scuffed black leather, of an indeterminate style that shouted discount outlet. “They don’t look new.”

“This is what new shoes look like when you’re making support payments.”

His distraction was working. I breathed easier. “Support payments?”

“I have a son. He lives in New Jersey with his mother.”

“You’re divorced?”

“Hell, yeah,” said Bruxton. “You probably know this already, but don’t marry someone who’ll sleep with your best friend.”

“Your what?” I was suddenly riveted. “Are you serious?”

“Want to go outside?” he asked, changing the subject just as it was getting interesting. “They won’t let me smoke in the building.”

We headed downstairs, me clinging to the wooden railing and Bruxton holding my arm. He lit up the second we were out the door, then bought us coffee from a cart down the street. “Thanks,” I said. I thought about asking him for a cigarette but restrained myself. “Why are you being so nice all of a sudden?”