“It is different this time,” he said, his voice steady and paternal.

“He did nothing wrong, but the police are trying to build a case out of nothing.”

“I do not know anything about his life,” I said.

“The police came to the house this morning,” Arthur said, his eyes scanning the empty rows of parked cars.

“They are asking questions about Tuesday night, about Elise Porter.”

My stomach tightened, but I kept my hands still in my coat pockets.

“I do not know Elise Porter,” I said.

“You do not need to know her,” Arthur said.

He stepped closer, blocking the door handle with his hip.

“If anyone asks, you tell them Caleb was with you Tuesday night.”

The words hung between us in the cold air.

“He was not with me,” I said.

“I was working the late shift here until nine, and then I went straight home.”

“You will tell them he was at your apartment,” Arthur repeated, his tone leaving no room for argument.