A woman with an auburn bob and chunky glasses stepped into Bella’s path. “Do you work here?” Her accent was British.

  “Do you know Nadine Bayani?” asked a man with a video camera.

  “Excuse me.” Bella pushed through them. “I need to clock in.”

  Inside, the store was crowded with people who didn’t seem to know what to do. Some stared at their phones while others milled around aimlessly without shopping carts or baskets. Ashley was stationed at a register, but no customers were in line.

  Ashley spotted Bella. “There you are! Holy crap, Bella! You are in so much trouble.”

  A few reporters were still watching Bella, so she walked up to the register and whispered to Ashley, “Why? What happened this morning?”

  Ashley leaned in, her eyes glittering. “Oh my God. You missed it. The freaking feds came and took Grady’s computer. Of course, corporate asked how we got that video, and Grady threw Jason under the bus. Now he’s suspended! And Grady is pissed.” She paused to take a breath. “At you, I mean. He’s pissed at you and Nadine.”

  “Right. Thanks.” Bella sighed. “What about all the reporters? They don’t seem to be doing anything.”

  “Grady banned us from talking to them. So they just stand around and talk in front of the cameras once in a while. I figured out that it’s when a new hour starts.” She smiled mischievously. “I managed to get into some shots.”

  “So they’re reporting live from a scene where absolutely nothing is happening.”

  “Yeah, I guess.” Ashley shrugged. “Anyway, Tino is going to DVR the news so I can see myself on TV tonight.”

  “Cool. Well, I guess I need to find out if I’m fired. Thanks for the update.”

  Bella walked back to the break room. She clocked in—just in case she got paid for her shift—and then knocked on Grady’s door.

  “Yeah?” Grady sounded cranky.

  Bella cracked the door and peeked in. “Um, hi.”

  Grady sat behind the desk, which now had an empty space where the computer used to be. He scowled at her, deepening the creases in his forehead. “You. Get in here.”

  Bella stepped in and closed the door. “I’m sorry I didn’t return your calls.”

  He harrumphed. “Would have saved you a trip.”

  Oh no. “Am I fired?”

  “You should be. You let unauthorized persons into the store after closing. You gave them access to my computer. And you showed them my password!”

  Showed them his password? “Well, to be fair—”

  “I’m not finished. You showed security footage to a reporter, and now my assistant manager has been suspended pending an investigation. He could face criminal charges.”

  Bella said nothing. She knew how much Grady valued Jason, who had been kissing his ass for years.

  “You know, you’re not the sharpest bulb in the box. I took a chance and promoted you because you’re a good employee. And I thought you were a good girl. But ever since that felon got here, you’ve been acting up. First the backsass, and now this. It’s a real shame.”

  “The brightest bulb,” Bella said.

  “What?” He squinted, wrinkling the skin around his eyes.

  “You said I’m not the sharpest bulb. That doesn’t make any sense. It’s brightest bulb or sharpest knife. If you’re going to call me stupid, at least get it right. Anyway, does it matter to you that Nadine was innocent all along? Like, does it matter at all?”

  “Innocent? Ha. Sounds to me like she cooked up a conspiracy with Alyssa Jackson. They’re both crooks as far as I’m concerned.”

  Bella clenched her fists. “You don’t even know her. From the moment you found out who she was, you treated her like scum when all she ever did was show up and work her ass off. She took shit from you and Jason and customers, unloaded trucks by herself, and never even complained.” Bella paused. “Oh, by the way, she quit.”

  Grady perked up. “Did she? No notice?”

  “If she came back here, you’d have to deal with even more reporters. She’s doing you a favor.”

  “Hmm.” He leaned back, clasping his hands in front of him.

  “Without me, you’d be quite short-staffed,” Bella hedged.

  “I guess so. And I might think about giving you another chance, now that Nadine won’t be here to influence you. But it’s out of my hands. Corporate decided to suspend you while they investigate.”

  He looked irritated, probably because he’d have to close the store more often without her.

  Bella looked around the small office where she and Nadine had uncovered the footage of Alyssa confessing. Not even a full day had passed, yet everything had changed.

  She’d never forget the rush of power when she realized that she, little hick-town college dropout Bella Clarke, had access to evidence that would bring down a corrupt US senator.

  It had been the most exciting moment of her entire life. But now that Nadine was almost certainly moving out of Cheriville, she would probably never have a moment like that again. If she lost her job, she’d never even be able to revisit the scene.

  “I guess I’ll wait to hear from corporate.”

  “Yup,” Grady said.

  Bella left the office, prepared to face hordes of reporters again. On her way to the front of the store, she saw Kenny folding towels. “Hey, Kenny.”

  Kenny looked up. “You’re here.”

  “Yeah, but I’m leaving.” Bella stuck her hands in her pockets. “I got suspended, so I probably won’t be back.”

  Kenny’s face fell. “Oh no. I’m sorry. I liked working with you.”

  She swallowed, choking back a rush of emotion. “I liked working with you too, Kenny. You’re a good kid. Text me anytime, okay? If you need anything or want to talk to someone.”

  Then Bella remembered that he had seen Nadine kissing her the previous day. It seemed like years ago. “About what you saw…” She searched for something to say, but the words eluded her.

  Kenny raised his hand. “I’ve known for some time that you’re not on the Lord’s path.”

  “Oh. Um.”

  “But I can tell that Nadine cares about you. And I’m glad you’re happy.” He offered a tentative smile.

  Bella wasn’t sure if that meant I support you or Have fun together in hell, but she decided to take it as the former. “Thanks, Kenny. I’ll see you around.”

  He was right. Nadine did care for her. She just wished she knew how long it would last.

  Feeling at loose ends without her crappy job, Bella drove to Sonic for a watermelon cream slush. As she sat in her car sucking the sugary pink drink through a straw, Nadine texted her. Lawyer wants to meet with me in Washington. Michaela already gave permission. Leaving now and will probably stay overnight.

  Bella stared at the message. No pleasantries. Not even an emoji. Then again, Nadine had never been one to gush over text.

  She started to type back with the news of her suspension but then stopped. Nadine was probably driving. Safety first. That, and she wasn’t sure she was ready to hear what Nadine would say in response.

  Forget them. Come with me. That’s what Bella wanted to hear. But she was afraid Nadine would say something like, That’s too bad. Maybe the grocery store is hiring.

  She couldn’t take a reaction like that, not now, so she chucked her phone onto the passenger seat and drove home to an empty apartment.

  * * *

  “So you were fucking innocent.”

  “Nice to see you too.” Nadine stepped into Amir’s spacious corner office and closed the door behind her. The office was as sterile as ever with a massive mahogany desk and bland eggshell walls that displayed diplomas, awards, and a forgettable abstract painting.

  Amir, however, had aged. His short jet-black hair was now sprinkled with gray. And there appeared to be an extra wrinkle or two around his brown eyes—or maybe that was because he was glaring at her.

  “I knew Alyssa was guilty.” He rose from his chair.

  Fair enough. Amir had pressed her countless times to confess Alyssa’s involvement in the scheme. “I admit I never considered that you had nothing to do with it, but come on. You were obviously protecting her.”

  Nadine kept quiet. Amir needed to get it out of his system.

  He paced the gray carpet. “Most of my clients are as guilty as sin. Do you know how hard it is to generate sympathy for a millionaire who raided pension funds or lied to investors? But you—a woman, an immigrant, someone who worked hard to put herself through college. I could have helped you, if you had let me.” He stopped in front of her. “Why didn’t you tell me the truth?”

  Nadine sighed. “I’m sure you read my comments in the paper. If I had told the truth about Alyssa, Rob Gunn would have waltzed into the Oval Office with four hundred electoral votes. I couldn’t let that happen to my country—not if I had a chance to stop it. And based on what he has done so far, I feel justified in thinking that way.”

  “I get that. Rob Gunn is an abomination. It will take a decade to undo the damage he’s done. I’d probably go to jail myself if I thought I could stop him.” He paused. “But Gunn won. And you still didn’t say anything. Why not?”

  “I didn’t think anyone would believe me. And…I know it’s hard to understand, but by then I didn’t think I deserved my freedom, my reputation, my career. But I do now. I really do. What can we do?”

  “Let’s sit down.” He gestured to a corner of the office with two plush chairs and a small circular table. They sat facing each other.

  Amir opened a leather portfolio containing a notepad. “The US attorneys want to talk to you. Obviously. They may offer immunity from perjury and obstruction of justice charges in exchange for your testimony against Jackson—especially since you already served two years.”

  “That’s good.” Nadine relaxed a little.

  “Don’t get me wrong. Lying to Congress is serious. But Rob Gunn wants Alyssa behind bars more than anything, and his attorney general will most likely direct the DOJ to make a deal with you.”

  Alyssa behind bars. Nadine pictured her former boss in a jumpsuit, denied access to makeup and her treasured flatiron. “Okay. Sure.”

  “As for your conviction, that’s a little more challenging,” Amir said. “But if they’re satisfied with your testimony, the prosecution will most likely support our petition.”

  “What about my law license?”

  “In Illinois, you can’t petition for reinstatement for five years after the date of disbarment—so you’ll have to wait another three years. Then you’ll have to convince the panel that you deserve to be reinstated.” Amir searched her face. “Were you hoping to practice law again?”

  Nadine pressed her lips together. “Not necessarily. I don’t know what I’ll do next. Anything would be a step up from my most recent job.”

  Amir pulled his phone out of his pocket. “Have you ever heard of the Institute for Criminal Justice Reform?”

  “Maybe. It sounds familiar.”

  “Here’s the website.” He held up the phone, although she couldn’t make out much more than the name. “They advocate for prison reform and more support for ex-offenders—housing, education, jobs. Things like that. One of my friends from Harvard is the cofounder. After the story broke yesterday, he called to ask about you. He liked what you said in your interview with the Post, and they happen to be looking for a policy director.”

  “Amazing. All this time I’ve been scum, unworthy of even minimum wage, and within hours of Alyssa incriminating herself, I’m being considered for law jobs and director positions.”

  Amir smiled. “People are opportunistic. You’re big news right now, and they want to ride the wave. But Kevin is a good guy. He does this work because he believes in second chances. Do you want to talk to him?”

  As much as Nadine wanted to take her time and consider all options, her meager savings wouldn’t last long. She needed a job. “Yes. Thank you.”

  “Good.” Amir opened the portfolio to a clean sheet of paper and uncapped his fountain pen. “Now, I need you to tell me everything that happened—the fucking truth this time.”

  Chapter 34

  Bella was barely through the front door of Raelyn’s house when Kathy wrapped her in a pillowy hug. “Oh my goodness, honey. Raelyn told me you lost your job. You need some hot tea.”

  Raelyn appeared behind her mother. “She needs something stronger. Want a gin and tonic? If you drink too much, you can just sleep here.”

  “Gin would be outstanding.” Bella hugged Raelyn.

  When they broke apart, Raelyn pulled a bottle of Bombay Sapphire out of the cupboard. She filled three glasses with ice, then added a glug of gin to each one before topping the drinks with tonic water.

  “So, cheers,” Raelyn said as she sat. They clinked their glasses together.

  Bella took a long sip. The drink was fizzy, cool, and potent. “So, I didn’t lose my job yet, but I probably will. My boss wants me gone, and the corporate bosses are saying I violated policy by letting reporters into the store. Which I guess I did. It’s probably in the handbook somewhere.”

  “Maybe your friend can help you fight it,” Kathy said. “After all, she’s a lawyer. And you did it for her.” She clicked her tongue. “I still can’t believe the poor thing was innocent. All this time.”

  “Yeah. Holy hell, Bella. You should have seen my face.” Raelyn sipped her drink. “Did you know she didn’t do it? Tell us everything from the beginning.”

  Bella did. She told them about Nadine’s confession to her, the kiss—glossing over the sex for Kathy’s sake—and her trip to South Carolina.

  “And now she’s in Washington, and I don’t know when she’s coming back, or if she’s even coming back. I don’t even know if she still wants to be with me.”

  “Damn.” Raelyn sat back. “I was right. She was jealous.”

  “Yes, that’s the main takeaway here. That you were right.” Bella sighed. “I think I’m going to need another one of these. Or two or three.”

  Kathy smiled kindly. “Honey, you should talk to her. I’m sure she still cares about you. She’s probably just overwhelmed right now.”

  “I know Nadine feels something for me. But I’m scared she was with me because…because she didn’t have anyone else. I mean, can you imagine someone like her dating someone like me under normal circumstances? In her old life, she never would have looked twice at some small-town cashier.”

  “Maybe not,” Kathy said, “but I reckon she’s not the same person she was before prison. She had to learn the hard way that those fancy friends of hers weren’t true. I bet she sees things different now. And if she’s as smart as you say, she knows she’ll never find anyone with a heart like yours.”

  “Thanks, Kathy. I really hope you’re right.”

  “What are you going to do for work if you get fired?” Raelyn asked.

  “Lord, I don’t know.” Bella drew squiggles in the condensation on her glass. “I guess another retail gig. In the meantime, I’ll try to do more art commissions. I guess I could relax my standards about the work I’m willing to accept.”

  “Porn and fetish stuff?”

  “That’s where the money is. I’m not looking forward to it, but at least it will pay the rent.”

  Kathy tilted her head. “I don’t understand. People will pay you to draw pornographic pictures? Wouldn’t they rather watch videos?”

  “People want really specific pictures. Like they might be in the drawing themselves, or they might want something that doesn’t exist on video. For example…” Bella looked at Kathy’s kind, curious eyes and reconsidered what she had been about to say. “You know, I can’t think of any examples right now.”

  “You should do graphic design,” Raelyn said. “I’m serious. You’re such a good artist. This could be the perfect time to go back to school.”

  “Yeah, maybe.” Bella looked at the table. “I guess I could put the tuition on my credit card.”

  Bella’s phone buzzed with a notification. “It’s Nadine,” she said a little too loudly.

  Lawyer working on immunity deal. May have lead on new job. In my hotel room now. How are you?

  Bella held up her phone to show Kathy and Raelyn the message.

  “You can go in the other room,” Kathy said, “if you’d like to call her.”

  Bella wanted to call. And she would have too, if it weren’t for the words new job. Nadine was leaving. She was leaving, and she hadn’t said a word about wanting Bella with her.

  “I’ll talk to her later.” Bella swallowed. “I just…can’t right now.”

  Raelyn gave her a sympathetic nod. “Another gin and tonic?”

  Bella exhaled. “Lord, yes.”

  * * *

  Nadine collapsed onto the large hotel bed, sprawling on the plush bedspread and piles of pillows. She hadn’t been on a comfortable mattress in years. Literal years. But she found herself longing for Bella’s worn-out Ikea mattress or even the lumpy couch.

  She picked up her phone again, then dropped it beside her. Still no response to her text from twenty minutes ago. And she knew it wasn’t because Bella had lost track of her phone.

  Why wasn’t Bella responding? It didn’t make sense.

  When the phone chimed, Nadine snatched it off the mattress. It was Patricia, wanting to Skype.

  They had spoken briefly that morning—Patricia’s evening—before her sister went to sleep, and Patricia had spent most of the call blubbering tears of joy. Now it was morning in the Philippines, and Patricia wanted an update.

  Nadine tapped the icon to accept the video call. Patricia sat at her kitchen table in her dressing gown. Miko was next to her in his high chair, mango pudding smeared all over his mouth.

  “Hi, ate.” Patricia pointed at the unfamiliar room. “Where are you?”