Chapter 86

“You will not give a statement tomorrow. You won’t answer questions. You’ll make an appearance, and I’ll answer on your behalf. You’ll plead the Fifth, Marcus.”

“Won’t that make you look guilty?” I ask.

Harriet looks at me and shakes her head slightly. “It’s better than admitting you were at Reed’s—or, worse, hiding it and getting caught when forensics finds evidence. If you keep your mouth shut, the police may never learn you were there. They’ll have a hard time proving Marcus killed Reed if they can’t place him at the scene.”

I nod. I know all this, and I understand that invoking the Fifth doesn’t necessarily indicate guilt. Even so, the prospect scares me, because I know the media will spin it that way—and speculate ad nauseam.

“Gabriela.” Harriet’s voice is gentle. I realize I haven’t lifted my eyes from the table. I look at her. “In the press’s opinion, he’s already guilty. Taking the Fifth won’t change that. But how he presents himself to people on the