"Laurie, I had to talk to her, believe me—"
"Sure you did! About the accident, wasn't that it? You needed a witness."
"I had to ask her a question—"
"Does she always say yes? You don't have to tell me the question, Professor. I can guess. I've seen the girl!"
"I can't explain but you've got to understand that there was nothing between me and Lois."
"Tell that to the cops, Mr. Cameron. But next time don't expect me to provide your alibi!"
She stalked past me, jerked open the door, and bolted down the steps. I started after her.
"Laurie!"
But she was gone down the walk, the pattern of red-and-white diamonds twitching with the angry vehemence of her stride. And all at once it seemed too vehement to me, her anger and refusal to listen too unreasonable, a convenient way to get away quickly, just as she had been too smooth and ready to lie for me.
She had not only provided my alibi. She had created one for herself.