Avery followed her gaze, taking in the desolate surroundings. "Exactly. I have a new identity. If people see me talking to someone closely tied to the 'murderer Avery McCallum,' there's a high chance my cover will be blown. I can't let them use you against me."
"New identity?" Stephanie echoed. "What is it?"
"Before I say anything," Avery shook her head, her expression hardening, "tell me what you were looking for in that place with Valentina. How did you meet her? What caused the fight and the shouting? And most importantly, why didn't you fight back?"
Stephanie took her time to respond, knowing she needed to spin a convincing lie if she wanted Avery to believe her.
"Actually..." she began, her fingers fidgeting, "my dad... he lost his job recently."
"Oh... What happened?" Avery asked, her eyes narrowing. "Wait... don't tell me... Did Valentina or anyone in that family have something to do with it?"
