He shrugged.

She did the best she could, all things considered, he answered.

That doesnt sound like a full-throated endorsement, she noted.

I mean, what do you want from me? I spent fourteen months behind bars. I didnt get any private cell either. It was rough. That wasnt her fault but Im not going to pretend I was psyched to be there.

Well, David, Karen said, following up on Jessies tack. You were convicted of false imprisonment.

Actually I confessed, on her advice.

Youre saying she coerced you into a confession, Karen pressed.

Davey looked at the both of them. The look of resignation that had been plastered on his face until now had been replaced with something closer to resentment.

Listen, he seethed. Ill deny this on the record, and none of it matters now because of double jeopardy, but I think we all know the truth. I never did anything to that girl. I took the fall for Percy. He was super high that night and he…couldnt perform with her, if you get my meaning. He was paranoid that she was going to spill that on social so he took her phone and locked her in the hotel bathroom. When his head finally cleared, he called me and I helped clean up the mess. I just didnt know the mess it would cause me, even after I got out of prison.

What mess? Jessie asked.

It screwed me up pretty bad, he said, no longer making eye contact. While I was in there, I was constantly worried about getting attacked or worse. I still have nightmares about the bars slamming shut at night. I was never a big drinker before. But since I got out, Ive been doing whatever I can to numb myself. It hasnt been great.

Jessie felt some sympathy for him, but not enough not to do her job.

So David, she said, Milly pressured you into doing time for Percy, youre drinking heavily, and you end up at the same party as her. Did you run into her at all?

I dont know, he said.

You dont know?

He lowered his head, not answering. For a moment, Jessie thought he was clamming up. But when he lifted his head again, she saw that his eyes were wet. When he spoke, his voice sounded pinched with emotion, as if he was trying not to break down.

Id like to think I would never hurt Milly, or anyone. Ive never gotten in any legal trouble before that hotel thing. But I dont remember much about that night. I got piss drunk. I passed out at some point. When I woke up, I was lying by the gate to one of the petting zoo stalls. I was freezing and had ant bites all over me, which makes me think thats where I was all night. Someone had to wake me up so I didnt miss the limo the guys were taking back here.