Police.
Shit!
Act cool.
I wrinkle my forehead as if confused.
“You need to come with us, Miss Dawson.”
“May I ask why?” I say, my heartbeat pounding in my ears.
“We will explain everything down at the station.”
I sift through my memories.
What did I miss?
I move towards my desk.
“Please stay where you are, Miss Dawson,” the shorter of the two says.
“I’m just going to grab my phone,” I say, shooting him a smile over my shoulder.
“We’d rather you didn’t.”
I stop in my tracks.
“I’d like to know what I’m being detained about?” I say, turning to face them.
Isn’t that what an innocent person would ask? I know it will be better for me not to provoke these two men, at least until I know.
“They’ve traced an illegal hack to this address,” the shorter of the two says, earning him a look from his colleague. “We’re here to take you in for questioning and seize all the equipment.”
“Do you have a warrant? You can’t just take a person’s things. This is my personal property. I know my rights.”
Or at least those I’ve watched on police shows.
One of the men reaches into his pocket and pulls out some papers.
I raise an eyebrow.
“I’m not the only person who lives at this address.”
“And your housemates will also be questioned.”
Although the look he’s sending me and my equipment lets me know he thinks that’s a waste of their time.
I route it through that many places. Did I mess up?
The two men continue to stare at me.
This is like something out of a bad cop show. This is my life. Have I been careless? I know the rules…I wrote them. Stay alert, be observant. Most of all, be meticulous when covering your tracks. Fuck and double fuck!
I draw myself up and take a deep breath.
Damn it! I’ve worked all afternoon on my dissertation. But what the hell?
“Daphne,” I say to the room.
