"How do you feel about that? About Ms. Samuels being murdered."
"Murder is illegal and immoral. And I wonder who will run Brookhollow now."
"Where are your parents?"
"They live in Argentina."
"Do you want to call them?"
"No, ma'am. If it's necessary, someone from the school will contact them."
"Do you want to leave Brookhollow?"
For the first time, Diana hesitated. "I think my .. . mother will decide if I'm to stay or go."
"Do you want to leave?"
"I'd like to be with her, when she thinks it's right."
Eve leaned forward. "Do you understand I'm here to help you?"
"I believe you're here to do your sworn duty."
"I'll help you get out."
"Eve," Mira interrupted.
"I will help her get out. Look at me, Diana. Look at me. You're smart, and you know if I say I'll do it, I'll find a way. If you're straight with me, you'll walk out of here with me today, and never have to come back."
There were tears, just a glimmer of them, but they never fell. Then her eyes were dry. "My mother will tell me when it's time for me to leave."
"Do you know Deena Flavia?"
"I don't know anyone by that name."
"Icove."
"Dr. Wilfred B. Icove was one of the founders of Brookhollow. The Icove family is one of our biggest benefactors."
"You know what happened to them?"
"Yes, Lieutenant. We had a small service in our chapel yesterday to honor them. It's a terrible tragedy."
"Do you know why it happened to them?"
"It would be impossible for me to know the reason they were killed."
"I know why. I want to make it stop. The person who killed the Icoves and Ms. Samuels wants to make it stop, too. But her way is wrong. Killing is wrong."
"In wartime killing is necessary and encouraged. In some cases it's considered heroic."
"Don't play games with me," Eve said impatiently. "Even if she considers it a war, she can't get them all. But I can stop it. I can make it stop. Where do they make you?"
"I don't know. Will you destroy us?"
"No. Jesus." Eve reached over, gripped Diana's hands. "No. Do they tell you that? Is that one of the ways to keep you here, keep you in line?"
"No one will believe you. No one will believe me. I'm just a little girl." She smiled when she said it, and looked ageless.