Guys, we are so close to the end. After this chapter there are only two more left. I can't believe how much support this story has garnered from all of you, and I can't thank you enough for it. As those of you who've been keeping up with my story 'A is for Arlene' will know, I've decided that as soon as I get 100 reviews on this story I will post the next chapter. That's right, two chapters in a day if you review quick enough. Just as a reward to you guys for sticking with me through this (and because I feel like last chapter was a let down because it didn't resolve anything... but next chapter will give you what you've all been waiting for; I can only hope you enjoy it). Sidenote: this is the last appearance of Emily and Hanna in this story. Anyway. Enjoy!

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February 14th

At this point Emily does start crying again, silent sobs that wrack her body, and even Hanna looks teary-eyed.

"When we got there she was arguing with him outside," Hanna replies. "They were at the gas station, but we'd parked at the diner, so we were too far away to hear what was happening. But it looked very heated. She was crying, and he was…"

She turns to Emily for help.

"He looked like he was… making a move on her," Emily says, looking like she feels sick. "We could see her push him away, but he kept moving closer to her. At one point I think he… it looked like he was going to kiss her."

"She didn't want to," Hanna goes on. "But he had her backed up against a wall. She kept shoving at him, but he was too strong. As soon as we realized what was happening we got out of the car and tried to go over to them, but the traffic lights must have changed because there was suddenly this, like, flood of traffic."

"We couldn't get through," Emily says in between sobs. "I don't know what happened while all the cars were going past, but by the time we finally managed to get across, Spencer was…"

She dissolves into a mess of tears and unintelligible mumbling, and he lets Hanna comfort her. Once she seems in control again, McDonald prompts, "She was what?"

"S-stabbing him," Hanna replies, her voice shaking. She looks somehow distant, as if she's still hoping this is all some kind of dream. "We finally got across to her, and we tried to pull her off…"

Emily looks up again, running a finger along a scratch on her cheek, her eyes dull and slightly unfocused. She doesn't seem to be aware of what she's doing.

"Did Spencer do that to you?" McDonald asks.

Emily's hand freezes, and then she carefully lowers it to her lap. She also lowers her gaze as she hesitantly nods. He offers her a sympathetic look, which of course she doesn't see. He's come across this before; murders can be very emotional, especially when, as in Spencer's case, they had a connection to the victim. She was probably running on overwrought emotion, and when they tried to pull her away she lashed out instinctively.

"What's going to happen to her now?" Hanna turns watery eyes on him, and he feels his heart breaking for her. These poor girls have been through hell, and it isn't over yet.

"Well, they're going to go through all the evidence, then there'll be a trial," he says. "The judge will make a verdict, and…"

He trails off, the meaning of his words clear. Most likely she'll be convicted and have to serve time. It doesn't sound like she acted in self-defence, although it wasn't really premeditated.

"I need to get a few more details," he says, and Hanna nods wearily. "Did you see him physically hurt her?"

"I… I think." Hanna seems uncertain, and Emily doesn't offer any more information. "He was being pretty rough. I think he was… he did shove her a couple times. She was up against the wall, and every time she'd try to move he'd push her back. Does… does that count?"

He makes a note of this in his notebook. "It might," he says. "Can you tell me anything else?"

She shakes her head; the effort of saying even this much seems to have exhausted her. He knows they're reaching the end of their tolerance, and to push them any further would probably only make things worse.

"Thank you for your cooperation, girls," he says, getting to his feet. "My partner, Delaney, will be out here shortly to discuss some details with you. Then you'll be free to go."

They mumble vague farewells, and he walks across the room, tossing his empty coffee cup in the trash as he goes. He stands outside the interrogation room door for a moment, steeling himself for the final leg of his journey. Then he opens the door and steps through.

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Once again, thank you so much for your support, guys. I never expected this story to become so popular and it really makes me happy that it has. Shoutouts this chapter to ihavealifeiswear, KooshGID, Sgdp1261, insertnameherex, and Runawaybaby555 - you guys are such consistent reviewers, and without your kind words this story may not have ever been finished, let alone updated daily. Seriously, thank you; much love to you all.