Chapter 16

Summary

• The protagonist finishes a phone call with Mr. Preston and mistakenly offers an empty Styrofoam cup to Detective Stark, thinking she wants to clean up.
• Detective Stark clarifies she was asking for the protagonist’s phone, not cleaning up, and takes it with a comment implying it will be returned "someday."
• The protagonist exercises their right to remain silent after apologizing for any unintended rudeness.
• After a long wait, Mr. Preston arrives with Charlotte, a woman who resembles him, and the protagonist is relieved.
• Mr. Preston is wearing casual clothes while Charlotte is in a formal suit and introduces herself as the protagonist’s lawyer.
• Charlotte advises the protagonist to remain silent despite the protagonist’s eagerness to profess innocence.
• Charlotte hands Detective Stark her business card, indicating she is an attorney from the firm Billings, Preston & García.
• Charlotte confirms she will represent the protagonist after clarifying communication about when it is okay for the protagonist to speak.
• Charlotte informs Detective Stark she has already posted the protagonist's $800,000 bail and makes a pointed comment about her financial capability.
• Charlotte explains that she’s arranged a bail hearing for later that morning and has already filed character statements on behalf of the protagonist.
• Detective Stark reminds them that even with bail, the protagonist will still face trial.
• Charlotte ensures the detective does not enter the protagonist's phone into evidence and obtains the protagonist's personal possessions.
• Mr. Preston and Charlotte leave after reassuring the protagonist, and Detective Stark prepares to return them to holding.
• The protagonist thanks Detective Stark for earlier hospitality, referring to a muffin and coffee, and hopes for a better rest of the morning despite their circumstances.