“Iris, don’t make this a big deal,” he said, using that soft voice he used when he wanted to persuade strangers.

“It was an accident because I accidentally dropped my mug.” She didn’t respond to his lie. Instead, she handed the officer the medical report…

The officer, a woman named Elena Ruiz, accepted the pages but did not glance at them immediately.

She was watching Garrett. Iris recognized that careful attention.  At the hospital, a nurse had looked at her the same way, as if the quiet moments mattered as much as the obvious injury.

“The hospital has its own copy,” Iris said. “These are mine. The physician documented the burns and the cause I reported.”

“You told them I attacked you?” Garrett asked. “I told them what happened.” Priscilla made a theatrical sound.

“She always twists everything. Garrett, don’t let her ruin your reputation.”

Officer Ruiz turned toward her.

“You can remain quiet while we speak with the people involved, or you can wait outside.”