Denise, what can you tell us about the arrest?
Good morning, Scott. I’m standing in front of the home here on Down Cove where an underage suspect was arrested last night. It’s a very large home, as you can see. Zillow estimates the property value at four million one hundred thousand dollars. It has a pool.
Well, I would hope so! Wow. Four million dollars. In South Austin.
It is a lot. I was surprised myself. Zillow lists some of the features of the house…let me see…it has a million-gallon, whole-house water filtration system—whatever that is—a natural gas outdoor grill, high-end built-in appliances including wine fridge, a Luma video security system, outdoor speakers on upstairs and downstairs patios and in the atrium, and multiple outdoor living spaces including a ground-level, custom viewing deck overlooking the greenbelt.
I’d like to live in that house!
Wouldn’t we all? But anyway, the arrest was made right here at the four-thousand-square-foot home, apparently during a party.
A party?
As you can see, Scott, there are still remnants of a balloon sign. It appears to say, “Go USA.”
Go USA?
Yes, Scott, that’s what the balloon sign says.
OK…
Witnesses say the suspect was arrested and taken into custody inside his home.
That’s a big home, all right.
Yes. And as you can see, it’s surrounded by news crews. Police Chief José Ramirez is holding a press conference at nine a.m. and we will know more then about why this young man was arrested. I’m coming to you live.
Wow, what a story.
Yes, Scott, it’s hard to believe.
And they arrested him in the middle of a party, wow.
Yes.
Well, let’s get over to Stacey here, who’s going to tell us about the weather. Another summer scorcher, Stacey?
You’ve got that right, Scott! Get out your sunglasses and get yourself to Barton Springs, because we are headed over 100 degrees for the fifth day in a row. This is going to be a June to remember!
-2-
Barton Hills Mamas
TESLALUVR
A kid from the neighborhood was arrested last night! Apparently, a basketball star! Does anyone know more?
CARLA G
Oh my God—what?????
VICKI B
Yes. I live next door. His name is Robert Fontenot but they call him Bobcat. There are reporters everywhere. They had some huge party last night and I could NOT even get the kids to bed. They didn’t even invite us! I heard Aaron Franklin was there. Bobcat once sat down on my front lawn and played with my son. I thought it was cute at the time but now it seems very suspicious. The mom is quite the bombshell though half the time she looks like she just rolled out of bed. She works at Hola Amigos! Though obviously doesn’t need to.
I can’t believe I’m in the middle of this drama!
BOYMAMA I have been on the wait list at Hola, Amigos for two years!
NYCMOM
Same here! The dude who runs that place is hot.
OAKLANDMAMA
Do you think a Barton Hills kid could have murdered someone?
MAMATOCHLOE
Their house is a monstrosity. Just FYI. I feel like the dad must have designed it himself. NO coherence. Appalling.
VICKI B
Dad is white and blasts Travis Scott from his truck. Need I say more?
MAMATOCHLOE
No! Ugh.
-3-
Whitney
WHITNEY WAS PUTTING ON her earrings when she heard someone press the buzzer at their front gate. She affixed the gold backings on her diamonds, peered into the surveillance camera, allowed the sedan entry. When she opened her front door, Detective Revello was walking up her driveway.
“Detective,” said Whitney. She felt dizzy, put her hands on her knees, then righted herself.
“Are you all right?” said Detective Revello.
“I’m sorry,” said Whitney, trying not to faint. “Xavier has a lawyer, and any questioning you have will have to be conducted through him. Do you need the number?”
“I’m not here for Xavier,” said the detective. Whitney took a deep breath, her heart hammering.
He looked at her, his deep blue eyes calm and wise. Could he hear the thudding, the blood rushing in her ears? Here it was. Here it was. She tried to imagine him saying the words. He shook his head once, slowly.
She gazed into his eyes, thinking, Please.
In a barking command, Revello said, “Go ahead.”
From either side of him, two officers emerged. Was Whitney dreaming? They walked past her, into her house. Whitney said, “What the hell do you think you’re—”
But they were handcuffing Roma, who was standing in the hallway in pink pajamas. “You have the right to remain silent,” said a female officer, as Roma began to scream. “Anything you say can and will be used against you.”
“Mommy! No! Mommy!” shrieked Roma.
“We’re arresting your daughter for drug trafficking and possibly homicide,” said Salvatore.
“I’m calling our lawyer,” said Whitney.
“Feel free,” said Revello.
Roma had collapsed, shrieking. “I’m handcuffed!” she cried. “Mommy, stop them!”
Whitney picked up her phone from the counter. She dialed a nonsense number, pretended to be doing something to help her daughter. But she had already done everything she could to help her daughter.
This plan was the final plan, her last resort.
Pretending to wait for someone to answer, Whitney watched as the officers pulled Roma to her feet. Roma looked at Whitney, shaking her head. “I didn’t do anything, Mommy!” she cried. “At least let me get dressed!”
Xavier entered the hallway in his lifeguard shorts and T-shirt. “Mom, what’s happening?” he said, alarmed.
“Go back to your room,” she said.
The officers walked Roma to a squad car, helped her inside. She continued to cry and scream at her mother. “Why aren’t you stopping them, Mommy!” she screamed. “Mommy! Why aren’t you doing anything? Why are you standing there and letting them—” The officers closed the car doors, cutting off Roma’s voice.
Detective Revello watched Whitney. “You seem very…” he said.
“What?”
“You seem very calm,” said the detective. He turned and walked toward his car. Whitney put down her phone. When Detective Revello drove away, Whitney stood in the doorway of her home.
There was silence.
Finally, finally, there was silence.
-4-
EVIDENCE FILE 202
THE STATE OF TEXAS VERSUS ROMA BROWNSON
TEXT STREAM RECOVERED BY APD TECHNICAL FORENSIC DEPARTMENT
Conversation between Lucy Masterson and Roma Brownson （MEX）， dated May 31, 2019:
Lucy Masterson Hi I saw yr post and I would like some candy.
MEX
How much and what?
Lucy Masterson All 80mg u have
MEX
I will leave candy in white bag by dumpster at 7-11 Barton Hills 7pm Venmo @romamex $80 per. I have ten
Lucy Masterson Thank you.
MEX
Got Venmo thx
-5-
Annette
ANNETTE WAS STARING AT her home bar and trying to decide if any of the glittering bottles held a liquid that would fix her. She heard Louis’s phone ring in the bathroom, heard him turn off the shower and answer.
“Oh my God!” cried Louis, and Annette ran upstairs screaming, “What? What is it?” She grabbed his arm, breathing in sharply. Louis was dripping wet, holding his cell to his ear in one hand and his towel around his waist with the other.