“That’s not an answer,” Diane said.
“Only one I got, ma’am.”
“That means yes,” Diane said, and for the first time she lowered her eyes.
Collins stood up and walked over toward Libby during the last exchange, now he was kneeling down next to her, giving her a Hi sweetie.
Diane grabbed his arm. “No. Leave her alone.”
Collins frowned down on her. “I’m just trying to help. Don’t you want to know if Libby is OK?”
“We know Libby is OK.”
“Why don’t you let her tell me that. Or we could have Child Services—”
“Screw off,” Diane said, getting in front of him. Patty sat in her place, willing herself to disconnect. She heard Diane and Collins snapping behind her, but she just sat and watched the woman behind the counter make another pot of coffee, trying to focus all her interest on the coffee
