Maria's heart pounded like a war drum. She eyed the weapon the officers held aloft, her mind racing. Was this Star's gun—or mine? But… I used mine yesterday… to threaten Dr. Mathews.
"Mrs. Davids, you're next," the officer called, cold and final.
Christine had already been scanned—no match. Now it was Maria's turn. She stole a quick glance at the gun, eyes widening as the truth hit her. Romero's… this is Romero's gun.
She relaxed slightly, certain that if Star's prints didn't match, hers wouldn't either. Without a second thought, she placed her fingers on the scanner.
Match.
The room dropped into silence.
Maria blinked.
Romero staggered a step back.
"What?!" she gasped. "Officer, no—there's no way. I don't even know how that gun got in the house. I swear—I didn't touch it! What would I need a gun for?"
Star feigned shock, voice laced with disbelief. "How did her prints end up there? Did… did she touch it before?"
Bonita's fury rose. "Mom, first the gun was found in your room. Now your fingerprints are on it. And you still don't know how it got there? What next—you'll say you don't even know what a gun is?"
Maria turned frantically toward Mandume. "You believe me, don't you? This girl—she's the—"
She pointed at Star, but the girl stood calm, unreadable.
"Mom," Mandume said, voice tight. "We're trying to resolve this—before the police decide for us. Just explain how the gun ended up with you."
Romero was silent. Torn. He and Maria had agreed: act like strangers. But now, watching her sink, he wanted to speak.
Maria's rage surged. "You did this, didn't you?!" she spat at Star.
Star blinked innocently. "Did what, madam? What are you talking about?"
She remembered slipping the gun into Maria's room. She'd wiped it thoroughly. No prints.
"Ma'am, you can explain at the station," the officer said, stepping forward with cuffs.
But Star raised a hand.
"Hold on!" Her voice rang clear.
Everyone turned.
"Actually," she began, "ma'am didn't steal the gun. I—"
Maria's eyes lit up with desperate hope. "Yes, Star—be brave. Tell them the truth!"
Star continued solemnly, "She told me not to tell you all—but I can't let her go to jail when I know what really happened."
Maria's pulse jumped. Wait—what is she doing?
"No! Don't believe—" Maria started, but Star cut her off.
"Madam, let me speak. Please."
She faced the room. "On Friday, ma'am told me she might've discovered where her husband was. She said it was a dangerous area, and she didn't want to alarm anyone—she wanted it to be a surprise. So… she borrowed the gun from Mr. Romero. For protection."
Maria's mouth dropped open. What?
Star turned to Romero. "Your maid gave it to her, remember? You weren't home at the time. Friday?"
Romero stumbled into the lie. "Y-yeah… Yes, that's right."
The officers stared, lips tight.
"I'm sorry, ma'am. I ruined your surprise," Star added, feigning remorse. "But I couldn't let you take the fall."
Star turned to the officers. "Sir, she didn't commit a crime. She borrowed the gun. That's all."
The lead officer glared at Romero. "You knew where your weapon was the whole time and let us chase ghosts? That's obstruction."
"I—I'm sorry, sir," Romero stammered. "It's a family heirloom—my dad's gun. I panicked. I forgot. I didn't mean to—"
"Not good enough. We could've handled real cases instead of entertaining this circus," the officer snapped.
"Please, sir," Star said. "Mr. Romero is willing to pay for the wasted time. And ma'am—next time, maybe confirm with him directly. You see how panicked he became."
Maria forced a smile. "Yes… I'll be more careful."
The officers exchanged looks.
"Let's go," one said. "This family's full of drama."
As they exited, one officer lingered, watching Star carefully—too carefully. She sensed something was off.