"Don't even answer it, JJ," Jennifer groaned, as a knock sounded from the foyer. "If the reporters want a statement from us they can call the Horton Center, and Aunt Maggie will tell them that I've already resigned from the board."
"You did? For God's sake, Mom, that makes it look like you think I'm guilty or something!"
Jennifer was horrified, as she took JJ's hand and led him to the couch. "Of course not. You know that your sister and I are behind you one thousand percent, you know that. Hopefully now that I've resigned, the press will accept their pound of flesh and let the center get back to its important work."
A muffled "I'm sorry, Mom," issued from JJ's slumped form, but Jennifer shook her head as the doorbell rang again—more impatiently this time.
"You shouldn't be. This is not your fault. Do you understand me?"
"They're not going away."
"Oh, yes they are!" Jennifer threw the door open with more force than necessary. "For the last time, we have no comment!"
"Good, keep it that way," Roman advised, entering the house behind Hope. "I'd ask how you were doing, but that would probably be a stupid question."
"Probably," JJ agreed. "Can we just cut to the chase? You wouldn't be here if it wasn't important."
"No, I wouldn't. Hope is the lead investigator on the drug surge. She's here to arrest you."
"On what charges?" Jennifer gasped.
"Possession with intent," Roman answered, gripping JJ's arm. "Make it look good," he hissed. "The house is bugged."
JJ sighed but allowed Hope to lead him outside.
"Do I need to get a lawyer?" Jennifer demanded, chasing Roman as he wandered into the living room. "Hey, you need to start talking!"
Roman put his finger to his lips. He kneeled down, taking inventory of the baseboards. Recognition swept across Jennifer's face. She swept her fingertips across the mantel, moving picture frames out of the way.
"Here!" she mouthed, giving Roman a glance of the object in her hand, before crushing it under her shoe.
"If this is the only way you can keep my son safe, it sure as hell better work."
