The Witness

lifted a hand to her hair. “I’m sorry.”
    “I’m sure you are.”
    “Dr. Fitch, I’m Deputy Marshal Barrow, and this is Deputy Marshal Norton. We understand this is a very difficult situation. If we could sit down, we’ll explain exactly what precautions we’re taking to protect your daughter.”
    “That won’t be necessary. I’ve already been briefed. If you’ll excuse us, I’d like to speak to my daughter alone.”
    “I’m sorry, Dr. Fitch, for her protection, it’s necessary for at least one of us to remain with Elizabeth at all times.”
    Elizabeth glanced his way, wondered why he’d left her alone in the kitchen.
    “Very well. Sit down, Elizabeth.” Susan remained standing. “There are no acceptable explanations, no rational reasoning, for your behavior. If the facts have been related to me accurately, you broke the law by forging documents you used to gain entrance to a nightclub with another minor. Where you consumed alcohol. Are these facts accurate?”
    “Yes. Yes, they’re accurate.”
    “You compounded this by showing yet more poor judgment by accompanying a man you’d just met to his home. Did you engage in sexual relations with this man?”
    “No.”
    “It’s imperative you answer truthfully, as you may have contracted an STD or become pregnant.”
    “I didn’t have sex with anyone.”
    Susan eyed her as coldly as she might a specimen under a microscope. “I’m unable to trust your word. You’ll submit to an examination as soon as possible. Actions have consequences, Elizabeth, as you know very well.”
    “I didn’t have sex with anyone,” Elizabeth said flatly. “Julie had sex with Alex, and now she’s dead. It seems the consequence is too harsh for the action.”
    “By your actions you put yourself and this other girl in serious jeopardy.”
    The words were like stones, hurled at her limbs, cracking bone.
    “I know. I have no excuse.”
    “Because there is none. Now a girl is dead, and you’re under police protection. You may also face criminal charges—”
    “Dr. Fitch,” John interrupted. “Let me assure you and Elizabeth. There will be no charges.”
    “Is that for you to decide?” she snapped, then turned straight back to Elizabeth. “I’m aware that girls of your age often show poor judgment,often defy authority. I made allowances for that in our conversation before I left for Atlanta. But I expect better than this debacle from someone with your intellect, your resources, your upbringing. It’s only through the whims of providence you weren’t killed.”
    “I ran away.”
    “At last showing common sense. Now, get your things. I’ll arrange for one of the gynecologists on staff to examine you before we go home.”
    “But … I can’t go home.”
    “This is a poor time to exhibit misplaced independence.”
    “Elizabeth is under the protection of the U.S. Marshals Service,” John began. “She’s the only witness to a double homicide. The man who committed those homicides is suspected of being an assassin in the Volkov
bratva.
That’s Russian Mafia, Dr. Fitch, if those facts weren’t related to you.”
    “I’m aware of what Elizabeth reported to the police.”
    Elizabeth knew that tone—the chief-of-surgery tone that demanded no nonsense, brooked no argument, accepted no discussion.
    “I’m also told she wasn’t seen by this man, and her name is unknown to him and his associates. I intend to take my daughter home, where she will be properly disciplined for her unfortunate behavior.”
    “You can intend anything you want, Dr. Fitch, but Liz is under the protection of the U.S. Marshals Service.”
    John spoke so calmly, so matter-of-factly, Elizabeth could only stare at him.
    “She’ll be moved from this location tonight, to one we feel is more secure. Your residence is not a secure location, and her safety is our priority. As I assume it would be yours.”
    “I have the resources to hire private security, if necessary. I’ve contacted my lawyer. Elizabeth can’t be forced to testify on this matter.”
    “They’re not forcing me. I’ve agreed to testify.”
    “Your judgment continues to be poor. This is my decision.”
    He’d called her Liz, Elizabeth thought. He’d called her Liz anddefied Dr. Susan L. Fitch’s directive—to her face. So she would
be
Liz. She wouldn’t crumble like Elizabeth.
    “No, it’s not.” The world did not end when she spoke the words. “I have to testify. I can’t go home.”
    A flash