“Keep walking," Clarence said, angling his body a little in front of hers. “Two blocks. Then home. Then ice."
“I can walk," Emma said.
“I know," he said. “I prefer you upright."
A shout broke across the intersection. “That's the car!"
Blue lights flared. A patrol cruiser jumped the lane and fishtailed to block a blue sedan at the next light. Doors flew open. Officers stepped out low, hands up. The sedan lurched like an animal that didn't know which way to bite, then stalled.
Emma's fingers tightened on the folder. “Is that—"
The driver's door flung wide. Lucy stepped out, hair perfect, ankle wrap bright against black leggings, fury sharper than the siren. “Get away from her!" she screamed, and then at Emma: “You— You ruined everything!"
“Hands where we can see them," an officer bark
