Mia studied Juliet’s face. “But time passed and when you said nothing to anyone else, Alex realized you wouldn’t be a threat to him. He knew if you did accuse him and Kent, he could tell a very different story—that he was the one who broke it off, and that your story was revenge. They’ve left you alone only because they were certain you couldn’t hurt them.”

Juliet said finally, “The photos—I could testify the photos look like Alex and Kent, but I can’t really be sure. Any accusations I could make now would only cause a hideous scandal. I love my mother and my father very much and I would never put them through that, nor would I ever want them to think they’d somehow failed to protect me. And my father, I think he would kill Alex.”

Juliet straightened, looked down at her watch, her voice now brisk. “My mother will awaken soon. Good-bye, Ms. Briscoe. I-I’m sorry about your friend.”

“Serena’s mother and father are very sorry, too, Ms. Calley.”

Juliet’s face froze, then she slowly shook her head. “I’m sorry about them, too,” she said.

Mia took out a card, laid it on the lovely Victorian coffee table. “We both know now Alex Harrington and Kent Harper are serial rapists, obviously with no qualms, no scruples, seeing as Alex was perfectly willing to roofie you and share you with Kent. And they’ve killed someone, a twenty-year-old girl so smart, so bright, she lit up a room when she walked into it. She died that night they decided to have their fun. I doubt either of them worried much about it. Do they even remember that night? I doubt it. They don’t deserve your silence, even to protect your family. Call me, Juliet. We can help each other make this right.”

24

Olivia and Savich

CAU

Hoover Building

Washington, D.C.

Wednesday morning

Olivia said hello to Shirley Needleham, the CAU gatekeeper and unit secretary. Shirley gave her a big smile. “Hey, CIA, you’re back. Hey, people, CIA in the house.”

She smiled at Agent Davis Sullivan, who gave her a little wave and said, “We’ll have to speak to security, can’t have you interlopers running loose in our house.”

“I couldn’t stay away, Sullivan. Shirley gave me an amazing cookie yesterday. I’m back for more.”

Savich walked out of his office, smiled to see Olivia now speaking to Agent Lucy McKnight and looking at photos of her little boy, Eric, making all the right noises.

Lucy also introduced Agent Ruth Noble to Olivia and the women shook hands. Ruth called out, “I can take her if she causes any trouble, Davis, don’t worry your handsome little head.”

There were laughs and snorts from Ollie and Griffin.

Savich called out, “Olivia, get your cookie from Shirley and come into the conference room.”