“What do you mean, kidnap and torture?” Elena’s voice shook with raw fear. Her eyes darted wildly between the officers. “I didn’t do anything, officers!” she added, her hands trembling.
“You have the right to remain silent, Miss Elena,” one of the officers said.
Anna clenched her fists tight, nails biting into her palms.
“Tell them!” Elena begged, turning desperately to Anna’s mother, her voice cracking. “I didn’t do anything to you. It wasn’t me!”
Anna’s mother swallowed hard, her lips quivering. “Yes, officer… Elena didn’t do anything to me. It was that man over there who is responsible for the situation I’m in.”
Jake stepped closer, jaw tight, eyes flashing with irritation. “He’s the one who put her in this situation. Elena is the one who helped us. How can she be responsible?”
“W
