“No. You really don’t.” Bryn sighed. “You know what a shock collar is?”
“I do.”
“When you’re told to lie or be shocked, you lie, especially when the interrogator already knows the answer to the questions. The subject is asked something obvious like, is your dog’s name Fido? The subject saysyes because that is the dog’s name but I’m instructed to say he’s lying. Carry out the experiment a hundred times for avoidance of doubt. Case proven.”
“Fuck.”
“That’s one way of putting it. Eventually the shocks were the better option. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.”
“That’s all kinds of wrong.”
“Yeah, well…” Bryn pulled into the prison visitors’ lot.
“Nice driving. Didn’t have to grab the ‘oh shit’ handle once.” Gunnar got out of the Taurus, grinning.
“So I can drive back?”
“Let’s see how you feel after you’ve done your thing.”
Bryn scowled his way through the prison security checks. The place was claustrophobic and brought back memories he’d rather have avoided. The interview room was gray and windowless. There was no two-way viewing facility like at the FBI and the whole place had an air of neglect. The overpowering smell was of disinfectant.
“This place could use an interior designer.” Bryn slumped in an uncomfortable metal chair on one side of a table, which was bolted to the floor. “Maybe a rug. Some artwork.”
“It’s okay to be nervous.” Gunnar seemed relaxed but a slight tension around the eyes betrayed him.
“I’m not. The sooner we get started the sooner you take me shopping for Twinkies.”
Gunnar shook his head. “Where’s our customer?”
Bryn stripped off his gloves and removed his shades. He handed both to Gunnar. “May as well give him the freaky eyes from the start.”
“Next time you call yourself a freak, I’m gonna put you over my…” Gunnar clamped his mouth shut as the door opened.
“Yeah, hold that thought.”
The inmate that came into the room escorted by a corrections officer was dressed in prison garb. The exposed parts of his arms were covered with tattoos. His hair was shaved close to his skull and there was some faded bruising around one eye. He was even bigger than Gunnar.
Gunnar sniffed. “Wolf.”
Bryn eyed the man who took the chair opposite him. “You have counsel, Mr. Scott?”
“Nah. What the fuck are you, pretty boy?”
“Your way outta here if you’re telling the truth, so be nice.” Bryn folded his arms across his chest. “Why hasn’t he been told what’s happening?”
The CO leaned in. “We’re short-staffed. His brief couldn’t get here but the superintendent is joining us.”
Gunnar grunted. “Fine. While we’re waiting then, Mr. Scott, Bryn is an augur. Your conviction is being questioned because the arresting officer was corrupt…”
“That fucker should be in here, not me.”
“That’s what we’re here to determine. Do you know what an augur can do?”
“How the fuck should I know?”
“He’ll know whether or not you’re telling the truth.”
“You’re shitting me?”
