37 Friends

"Is Officer Winters around?" I asked the officer at the front desk when Stellan and I walked into the police station.

The officer let out a deep breath. "No, I'm afraid not. She's out on patrol. May I help you with something?"

"Go ahead and tell her," Stellan said, his voice serious. But I knew there was nothing they could do about Slade and Alonso. After all, it was just speculation, as far as they were concerned.

"No, thanks," I replied. "I'll talk to her later tonight. I'm her new roommate."

"Oh! She told me all about you!" the officer said, holding out her hand. "I'm Renata Benjamin, a friend of Evelyn's."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," I said, a crease forming between my eyes. "When do you expect her back?"

She shook her head. "She won't be in until tonight." She tilted her head to the side, her eyes filled with concern. "Are you sure there's nothing I can help you with?"

"Tell her," Stellan said.