"Miss Tracie," one officer said, his voice calm but firm. "Cooperate, and this will go much quicker. Tell us why you were near Penny Eddy's room."
I kept my gaze fixed on the table, unwilling to give him an answer.
"Miss Tracie," another officer urged, his tone growing impatient, "if you want this to end, you need to be honest with us."
Finally, I lifted my eyes to meet his. "I want a lawyer," I said, my voice unwavering.
One of the officers sighed, clearly frustrated. "We’ll get to that, but for now, you need to answer our questions."
I leaned back in the chair, crossing my arms. "If you let me make a call—to my mother—you’ll get the answers you’re looking for. But you won’t, will you?"
The officers exchanged a brief glance but remained silent.
"I demand to call her," I insisted, my voice rising slightly. "If you do, you'll understand exactly who I am and the truth about everything."
"Enough," one of the officers snapped, slamming his hand on the table. "You’re not calling anyone until we’re finished here."
The door swung open, and Ginger entered with Daniel trailing behind her. Ginger’s eyes immediately landed on the jewelry I was wearing.