Now, her own friends were turning on her because she had been caught in a malicious lie.

I felt a sudden, brief pang of sympathy for her, but it was quickly replaced by the memory of her face when she told the police officer that I had hit her.

She had looked me dead in the eye and smiled.

My personal phone buzzed again on the desk.

It was a text message from an unknown number.

I picked it up.

*Rachel, please don’t block this number,* the message read.

*It’s Ava. I’m using a friend’s phone.*

*Dad doesn’t know I’m texting you.*

*I’m sorry. I’m so sorry for what I said.*

*Everyone at school hates me now.*

*They’re calling me a liar.*

*Please help me.*

I held the phone in my hand, watching the screen stay bright in the quiet office.

The rain continued to fall outside, heavier now, washing against the glass.

I didn’t reply.

I set the phone down next to the forensic report.

The office door opened, and my aide, Captain Vance, stepped inside.

He held a secure folder in his hand.