Page 35 of Summertime Rapture

“I’m a criminal attorney,” Bruce continued simply. “I have no plan to become this young man’s attorney, not in the least. But I do feel that someone who understands the legalities of the situation should enter that room and explain to him what he needs to know.”

Office Bradley arched his brow toward Elsa. “This is all highly irregular, but I suppose it’s well within your rights. Ms. Remington, is that all right with you?”

Elsa’s words were stiff. “Of course.” What she wanted to say was:Shouldn’t you remain seated by me, holding my hand through this difficult time? Why should you give this man even a moment of your time? Hasn’t he taken enough from us?

“How long will you be?” Elsa asked as Bruce stepped toward the office door and headed for the interrogation room.

“I don’t know,” Bruce told her simply. “I want him to feel like he can ask any questions he needs to ask, for as long as he wants to ask them. After that, I want to make sure that he’s set up with an attorney here on the island.”

Elsa’s blinks felt long and strenuous.Was this man actually a stranger?

“I’ll call you when I’m done,” Bruce said with finality before locking eyes with Officer Bradley, who opened the door and led him down the hallway.

Elsa remained in the office for a full minute, feeling like the worst kind of fool. She then headed for the front door of the Edgartown Police Station, wondering if anything would ever feel right again.