Page 155 of The Advocate’s Ultimatum

Sabre softened her voice. “We found old birth records in Riverside County and San Bernardino County. You stayed places long enough to build identities. You weren’t in school. Why did you need those?”

Bay went very still. Finally, she said, “You shouldn’t have found those.”

The non-denial hung in the room. Bay thought they still had time. Sabre also realized that the girl wouldn’t know, for sure, that Hannah and the guardian had moved from the El Cajon address.

“We know where they live, Bay. You need to start talking.”

Fear etched into Bay’s face now. Fear for herself or for them, Sabre didn’t know, but she watched it happen in real time.

Sabre changed direction before Bay could shut down completely. “You have to start trusting me and let me help you through this. We got the medical examiner’s report. Todd didn’t die from the stabbing.”

Confusion flooded Bay’s face. “What?”

“He died from blunt-force trauma to the back of the head.”

Bay stared at her. “I don’t understand.”

“Tell me exactly what happened that day.”

Bay shook her head slowly like she was trying to reorder the memory. “I stabbed him.”

“I know.”

“Did he fall?”

“No.”

“Did he hit his head?”

“No.”

“Did you hit him with anything?”

“No.”

“Was anyone else there?”

Bay’s eyes dropped.

“Bay, be honest. We need to know.”

“I already told you. She was there, but she left. Then I went after him with the knife.”

“Then explain the head injury,” Sabre pressed.

Bay’s breathing quickened now. “I can’t.”

“You said you ran.”

“I did.”

“Immediately?”

Bay nodded, then corrected herself. “Not right away. I mean, I ran out the door, but then I waited across the street.”

“For what?”

Bay looked at the table. “For him.”