Chapter 25

"I would never kill..." The garage began to tilt, and I slid down the decline.

Two hands and a paw reached out to steady me though. The officers and Detective Palmer spread into the garage, into the waiting area, and up the stairs into my apartment.

As soon as I was settled into a metal folding chair, Boxy whipped out his cell. "I'm calling my lawyer."

On my other side stood Cass who gently rubbed my back. It was the kindest thing a stranger had ever done for me. Studmuffin sat on my lap with both paws on my cheeks to absorb my tears. He always did that when I was sick or upset about something, my very own face-hugging therapist. I squeezed his warm body closer, and he nuzzled my nose.

"Remember to breathe," Cass was telling me. "I thought I was having a rough day, but I'm afraid you've got me beat. Is there anything I can do for you?"

I shook my head. "I still need to fix your tire."

"You let me worry about that," Boxy told me, still on the phone with his lawyer.