Bob is sitting behind the one-way glass, clearly agitated by the wait. He’s looking around as if searching for someone or something to vent his frustration at. His legs bounce as he fidgets wildly and perspiration has built up near his hairline. He isn’t used to being on the other side of the table.

Sheriff Stevens stops before leaving us. “Are you ready for me to do this? If not, we can wait a little longer and make him sweat some more.” His smile is meant to be disarming, I’m sure.

“No. I’m fine. I just want this over with,” I respond. I am both drained and anxious to just leave. My confident lawyer persona has all but vanished for the night, and I need to go home and recharge it. I’m in a vulnerable spot without my armor, and Sheriff Stevens is not the person I need around. I’m just glad Matthew is here. We sit down in front of the glass.

“All right then.” The sheriff nods and heads into the interview room.

Bob’s head immediately snaps toward the door, his eyes narrow, and the fidgeting legs come to an immediate halt. Bob might be a blow-hard and a bit of a cock ninety-nine percent of the time, but he is a good lawyer and a ruthless cross-examiner. He looks like he doesn’t want to leave this station without the gratification of a fight.

“Good evening, Mr. Miller. I’m sorry to keep you waiting so long. Can I get you anything to drink? Water? Coffee?” Sheriff Stevens knows the tough guy act that immediately caved Anne won’t work on Bob. He starts with the nice guy routine to perhaps keep things civil.

“Save your apologies and your pleasantries. I don’t need refreshments. This isn’t my first rodeo, so let’s just skip the bullshit.”

So much for the civility play.

“Very well then.” Sheriff Stevens chuckles to himself as he takes a seat, amused by Bob’s bravado. “Let’s start with what you know about Kelly Summers.”

“What about her specifically, Sheriff Stevens?” Bob knows what the police can and cannot use in court. He knows what looks like fishing or speculation versus actual evidence. Sheriff Steven’s questions will need to be tight as a drum or this will go on all night.

“I apologize. For a second, I forgot I was dealing with an attorney. No fluff questions then. Did you know the victim Kelly Summers in any way prior to the start of this case?”

“Yes, I did.”

No extrapolating will be found in any of Bob’s answers. Part of me is disappointed knowing that Sheriff Stevens likely won’t get any new information about my case out of Bob. But on the other hand, I am relieved to know that I don’t have another surprise coming my way.