I consider my answer for a moment. Then I realize that maybe in order to get her trust, I need toextend it to her in return.
I look around before glancing at her. “It’s a long story.”
“Oh?” Alexis smiles. “And clearly a juicy one.”
I smile back. But I make sure it looks a little hesitant. A little guarded. A little uncertain.
“I don’t know about that,” I reply. “But it’s definitely complicated.”
“The best stories always are, honey.”
“Can I ask you a question… ring girl to ring girl?”
Her smile gets a little wider. “Shoot.”
I take a deep breath.
“Do you know anything about a little girl who was taken recently?”
Alexis’s eyes go wide. “You know about the Mazzeo kid?” she whispers.
I’ve got her attention. Now I’ve got to hold it. Manipulate it. Give her enough s
