Good day, bad news.
Corrine was in Miami, shopping for Christmas with her nieces. It's been over a year since their mother was arrested, and Corrine's tried to spend time with the girls when she can. They need it, and their father certainly needs the break these days while putting his family's life back together.
The decorations of this time of year are amazing when combined with the beautiful weather. They went to lunch, packed down with bags, and Tonya got ice cream on her nose. Jen had a little boyfriend now, or at least a male study buddy that she's been making moon eyes at. Corrine is the good aunt, encouraging but warning of the usual cautions. They're back home by 4:30, and Corrine spends an hour in the kitchen talking to Dave-- about Angie, about Sand, about life in general, and plans for the holidays.
She's on her way out the door when she gets the phone call. She's not used to getting calls from DEO agents that she doesn't know, and Dave walks into the hallway, curious.
"...Why wasn't I called earlier?"
"With your associations and... history, Ms. Bertrand, we had to be sure you weren't involved."
"...How DARE you! I--"
"Would have done the same thing, ma'am. It's your job, and it's mine. Your remaining sisters have already been contacted. If it means anything, I'm sorry for your loss."
Closing her phone, Corrine stares at it for a long time before explaining to Dave. They'll tell the girls together, later. They've been through enough.
She leaves quietly for home, lost in thought the whole way. In the doorway, she absently puts down her bag and sheds her coat. They sit on the floor, forgotten, as she walks like a zombie to her room.
The decorations of this time of year are amazing when combined with the beautiful weather. They went to lunch, packed down with bags, and Tonya got ice cream on her nose. Jen had a little boyfriend now, or at least a male study buddy that she's been making moon eyes at. Corrine is the good aunt, encouraging but warning of the usual cautions. They're back home by 4:30, and Corrine spends an hour in the kitchen talking to Dave-- about Angie, about Sand, about life in general, and plans for the holidays.
She's on her way out the door when she gets the phone call. She's not used to getting calls from DEO agents that she doesn't know, and Dave walks into the hallway, curious.
"...Why wasn't I called earlier?"
"With your associations and... history, Ms. Bertrand, we had to be sure you weren't involved."
"...How DARE you! I--"
"Would have done the same thing, ma'am. It's your job, and it's mine. Your remaining sisters have already been contacted. If it means anything, I'm sorry for your loss."
Closing her phone, Corrine stares at it for a long time before explaining to Dave. They'll tell the girls together, later. They've been through enough.
She leaves quietly for home, lost in thought the whole way. In the doorway, she absently puts down her bag and sheds her coat. They sit on the floor, forgotten, as she walks like a zombie to her room.