The moment those words left his mouth, Georgette's composure crumbled. "No, no, officer, this is all a misunderstanding! I'm Ms. Henson's housekeeper. I take care of her meals, her home, everything. My daughter's school is on break, so she's staying here for a couple of days. The smart lock malfunctioned, and when the repairman came, the code got reset by accident. Nobody's occupying anything."
She gestured toward the open front door with an ingratiating smile. "See? I came right out to let everyone in, didn't I?"
The officers looked at me, then back at her. "Ms. Henson, do you want to press the matter?"
I was about to answer when Georgette leaned in close, her voice dropping to a desperate whisper.
"Please, Miss Henson. Cora's father died when she was little. I raised her all by myself, and it wasn't easy. She just started college. She's at that age where appearances mean everything, and she's always been starved for affection, so her temper runs a little hot. If she found out her mother was just a housekeeper, it would destroy her."
"I only did this so she could feel a little better about herself."