“Yes,” Alice said. She slid umcomfortably in her chair.

“And what’s the nature of your relationship with Ms. Peabody?” Officer Bryant continued to scribble. Alice paused unanswering for a moment.

“What do you mean?” She asked. Officer Bryant looked up from his notebook.

“Ms. Peabody called you when she was intoxicated and you drove over to her house. She told you her mother had died passing on information in a vunerable state in which I would assume only a close friend would be privy to. Also, you said you put her to bed also something that a close friend, or lover, would again think to do. Obviously Ms. Peabody trusts you and I would like to know why,” Officer Bryant concluded.

Alice reflected. She paused. She stared. She fidgeted uncomfortably. “We’re just friends,” she answered.

“You mean to tell me Ms. Peabody and yourself have never engaged in conjugal activities?” he asked.

“We’ve never slept together if that’s what you’re asking,” Alice said. Officer Bryant leaned back in his chair.

“I have several witnesses that state Ms. Peabody and yourself enjoyed many evenings together including dinner, the theater, many exclusive parties that involved herself, close family and friends and you remain you’re just friends?” Officer Bryant questioned.

“Yes, we’re just friends,” Alice insisted.

“I see,” Officer Bryant continued and jotted down a few notes. “As a friend,” he continued, “You would do favours for Ms. Peabody if she asked? Delieveries, for instance? Pick ups even? Maybe even cover up some of her indiscresions?”

“Helena didn’t kill her mother,” Alice protested. She had seen to many cop shows to not know where this was going. Officer Bryant stopped scribbling.

“How do you know?” he asked plainly. Alice stumbled again.

“Well, I just do. Helena wouldn’t do it. I mean look at her, she’s a wreck,” Alice waved her hand in the direction of the door.

“Murderers don’t always create victims, Ms. Pieszecki” Officer Bryant started. “Sometimes they become them as well.”

Alice stared down at Helena, she watched bubbles play against her skin sliding off her arm as she brought the cup up to her lips then down again. She didn’t do it, she told herself. There’s just no way. Alice took another sip of her coffee as she watched Helena closely.