CHAPTER 328
KATYA POV
"We can go over the evidence together."
Silence. The words settled over the room like a heavy blanket, pressing against my chest until it became difficult to breathe.
Beside me, Chiara was the first to move. "What?" she blurted, her fingers tightening painfully around mine. "No."
Inspector Ricci regarded her calmly.
"No?" Chiara shook her head immediately. "I-I don't think that's necessary." Her voice grew steadier with each word, as though she were convincing herself as much as the officers.
"We've already told you."
"We weren't there," I managed to add, the lie tasting like ash on my tongue. "There must be some misunderstanding."
Officer Bellini remained expressionless while Officer Ferraro simply watched us, his gaze heavy and unblinking, without saying a single word.
Inspector Ricci offered a patient, practiced smile. "I understand this may seem unexpected, Miss Chiara."
