“We’re investigating a possible assault of a student,” Murray explained. “We’re looking for anyone with information. We were told you might be able to help us,” he added, the fib meant to keep her at ease.

June was quiet for a moment, as if she was thinking. “Who told you that?” she finally asked, surprising Jake with her question.

Detective Murray knew better than to take it further. He pivoted. “What were you up to last Friday night?”

“I don’t remember,” she replied. Too quickly, Jake thought. He watched as she swallowed hard and looked off to the side.

“You don’t remember where you were last weekend?” Murray pressed.

Now she smiled, meeting Murray’s eyes again. “I’d have to check my planner. It’s the end of senior year. It’s a really busy time.”

It was one of those statements that was both so innocuous on its face, and so ludicrous when you really considered it, that Jake’s interest was immediately aroused. A sharpening in Murray’s voice told him that the detective felt the same way.

“There was a party on River Road. A lot of kids were there. Does that jog your memory?”

Jake wasn’t sure exactly what he was expecting, but it wasn’t what happened next. The polite concern dropped from June’s face, and she pursed her lips and looked them both over, her face registering her disregard for what she saw.

“This isn’t an interrogation, is it?” she asked, placing her hands on her hips. “Because I know my rights. And I have a right to an attorney.”

Murray held up his hands and smiled, unruffled. “Slow down. We’re just trying to find out if someone hurt one of your friends. You don’t have to talk to us, but we sure could use your help. Too many of these crimes go unreported.”

“That’s right,” June said, making up her mind. “I don’t have to talk to you. I think I’d better call my lawyer.”

“Your lawyer?” Murray asked. Jake almost laughed, but he managed to turn it into a cough.

“Yeah,” June said. “My dad. He’s a lawyer. In New York. And I think he’s going to be very interested to hear that the police are questioning students without their parents present.”

Before Jake could open his mouth to assure her that she could call a parent if she’d feel more comfortable, June had already turned, tossed her hair, and marched back into the cafeteria without another word.

“That went well,” Jake said, shaking his head.

“It’s a start,” Murray said. “Innocent teenagers don’t immediately demand to speak with their lawyers.”