Ten minutes later, Penny ushers me into Chief Ramsey’s office. He’s a big man, and he has a big chair and desk to match. But the space we’re forced to share is tiny. Morning sunlight filters through a window that’s more of a vent. Dust motes dance in the sunbeam, but it’s devoid of sprites. This is just as well. I’m not certain we could cram another being in here, ethereal or otherwise.
“Belinda Barnes is free to go,” Chief tells me.
“Does she know that?” From what I gathered during my stay on Thursday, I’m not so sure.
He raises his hand and then tips it this way and that. Maybe yes? Maybe no? Then he uses that hand to rub the back of his neck.
“I’ll be honest, I bring her in sometimes when I think she can use a shower and a decent meal, somewhere dry to sleep.”
“So she really isn’t
