Red_Roses_and_Black_Dahlias_-_Macy_T

“Start from the beginning. You told Officer Reynolds it was around 11
P.M when you woke up from the noise.” Sofia nodded softly, confirming my
words. “Go on.” I encouraged.
She took a deep breath, like she was trying not to suffocate, and then
started talking.
“I came home late from work, because a friend from college wanted me
to take a look at her paper after my shift.” I knew she worked at her campus’
local coffee shop. She didn’t need to, her family was loaded, it was just
another act of rebellion.
"Mom and dad were getting ready for bed, and Valentina was already
asleep.” She wouldn’t meet my eyes, and even though that frustrated me, I let
her speak at her own pace. “I think it was like nine when I got into the house.
I re-heated some leftovers, wolfed them down because I couldn’t wait to take
a shower and sleep.” She was biting her lips, so much she almost drew
blood.
“At what time did you go to sleep?” Adam inquired.
“I remember it being 9:56 when my head hit the pillow and I last looked
at the clock.” Her eyes met his, but she still wouldn’t meet mine.
Adam nodded absentmindedly, “Did you lock the doors before you went
upstairs? Set up the alarm system? There was no sign of a break in.”
That last statement made Sofia’s lips tremble, and I swear she was
keeping herself from breaking into sobs right in front of us.
“I thought I had.” Her voice cracks, “But clearly I-I must have forgotten
since they got in.” Her hands came up and she violently wiped away her
tears.
Adam looked at me, and it was clear he regretted even asking. I liked my
job most days, but today was one of the hardest since I joined the force.