The shorter man stepped forward, rain streaming down his face."Inside.Your dwelling requires inspection."
"My house," Krevan snarled, planting his feet wider, "stays off-limits."His hands curled into fists, knuckles whitening.
"Mr.Vallex, cooperation will make this process smoother.You don't want to defy our authority and risk being sent back to Hellgate.For the next eight years and three months, you're under our jurisdiction, and failure to comply with your release terms could lead to your return to Hellgate.That would be unfortunate for you.Also, we're authorized to conduct random searches, which includes your vehicle, home, and any buildings you control," the taller man gestured towards the other structures.
Krevan extended his hand, rain streaming down his face."Let me see those credentials again.Plenty of thieves on Verrian who'd love an easy mark.Never seen either of you before."He crossed his arms."Where's your documentation?Orders?Anything official stating I have to let strangers into my home at this hour?Because when they cut me loose from Hellgate, nobody mentioned midnight inspections."He jerked his chin toward their vehicle."Come back in daylight with paperwork my attorney can verify."
The shorter man checked his timepiece."You've got twenty minutes to call your lawyer.We've been standing in this rain for over an hour waiting for you to show up."
"Absolutely brilliant, you fool.I wasn't even here.I only got back when you saw me drive in," Krevan responded with a more intimidating tone.Ancelin felt increasingly uneasy as Krevan's anger grew, sensing the intense fury he was holding back.She instinctively knew that if he perceived a real threat, he wouldn't hesitate to protect his home and her, even if it meant resorting to violence.Krevan had the capacity for significant aggression when needed, as he and others had often mentioned, and she had witnessed hints of this potential.
"I need to see your authorization documents first.Then I'll go inside to call my attorney," Krevan said, his voice flat and controlled.
The taller man reached inside his coat, producing holographic identi-badges that glowed faintly blue in the rain.Krevan took them, turning each badge slowly in his fingers, water beading on the metallic edges.
"These confirm who you are," he said, handing them back, "but not why you're here.Where's the court order permitting this intrusion?"
"We don't have those with us.You should be aware of the conditions of your release.You have your release papers, and you should know that you’re subject to our review and search.It's your responsibility to be informed about these things," the taller man explained to Krevan.
"I need to contact my attorney.Stay out here."Krevan's voice left no room for argument.He slipped back into the vehicle, activated the garage door, and guided the car inside before sealing them off from the strangers.His breath came quick and shallow as he leaned toward the back seat."When we get inside, go directly upstairs and lock yourself in the bedroom.Don't come down until you hear from me.”
Ancelin's throat tightened."Those men—they're not really from any committee, are they?"
"I’m not sure.But inside, now.Not a sound when you exit the vehicle—those walls aren't soundproof."Ancelin slipped out, hunched low.Krevan unlocked the house door, ushering her into darkness.She crept past the windows and up the stairs while he remained below.
Light flooded the downstairs as she heard him activate the Satphone.From the landing, she caught fragments: "...legal obligation..."and "...comply within reason..."When the call ended, Krevan's footsteps moved toward the entrance.The front door creaked open.
"Finally seeing sense," one man replied."Shame if you got shipped back to Hellgate over something trivial."His tone carried a smirk, as if the thought of Krevan's re-incarceration provided personal satisfaction.Heavy boots crossed the threshold.
“At this time, we have had no reports of suspicious or illegal activity.However, we’re duty bound to check on you periodically as part of your community control.We need to see all the rooms of the house and your other buildings.”Without additional invitation, the men walked further into the house.It sounded like they stopped when they reached the kitchen.“If we notice anything suspicious, we’ll need to search more in depth.Is there anyone else in the house?”
“Yes, my wife is upstairs,” Krevan replied.
“You’re remarried?”one of the men responded incredulously.
“Yes.”
“We need to meet her and speak with her.Please call her.”
“I’ll go get her.”
“No, call her and stay where you are,” one of the men insisted.
Krevan growled deep in his throat.“Ancelin, could you please come down here?”Krevan called upstairs in a deep, loud voice.
His tone sent chills up her spine, and she began to perspire.Without hesitation, she made her way down the stairs.“Did you wish to speak with me?”Ancelin entered the kitchen where the three men stood.She approached Krevan to stand close to him.
"Ancelin," Krevan said through clenched teeth, "meet our uninvited guests from Hellgate.They insist on searching the house—part of my 'community supervision,' apparently."
The taller of the two men stepped forward, eyes fixed on Ancelin."Mrs.Vallex, I presume?"
Ancelin crossed her arms."You'll get my answers after I get your name.Unlike my husband, I'm not subject to whatever authority you claim to have."
"Christo Archan," the man replied with a stiff nod toward his companion."And Adon Krevitz.As we've already explained to Mr.Vallex, this inspection is mandatory.Are you really married to Mr.Vallex?"
"Yes, we're married," Ancelin confirmed, her fingers twisting together.
Christo tilted his head."And where exactly did you meet?Do you have any prior arrests we should know about?"
