I let out a growl of frustration. “He’s not hurt anyone.”
Superintendent Heidegger’s stern features soften a little. “Look, I can see you’re upset, but it’s going to be a few hours until I can get anything like a resolution on this case for you. Not even I am senior enough to release a zombie out onto the streets. So if you’ll stay calm and come this way—”
“No.” I fold my arms across my chest and sit on the floor, crossing my legs. “I’m not going anywhere without him.”
Superintendent Heidegger sighs. “Ma’am, if you’re willfully ignoring instructions from an officer inside the station, I’ll have to arrest you. The foyer, however, would be a different matter…”
I search his face, but I can’t tell if he just wants me out of his way or if he’s being genuine.
When he gets the handcuffs out, I make a snap decision. I jump to my feet. “Fine, but I’m not leaving the station without him.”
He gives me a relieved nod. “Understood, ma’am. We’re working on it as fast as we can.”
TWENTY EIGHT
Adam
I hate that Jen had to see me like this, that I can’t apologize to her and let her know I didn’t mean for any of this to happen.
I really, really hate the idea of my girl sitting on the cold hard floor outside my cell while they treat her like an idiot or a helpless woman, so I’m relieved when the superintendent persuades her to go back into the foyer. Before she even gets through the door, though, there’s a commotion, and I strain to see enough through the tiny window to make out what is happening.
A strangely familiar female voice is speaking in a rushed, clipped tone. “...no, Gerrie, that’s what I was thinking too. Imagine all those untapped votes. Hold on, let me see if we can clear this up.”
Barbara, my client from the gym, strides past the superintendent and the young officer on duty, phone in hand. “Excuse me, are you the officer in charge here?”
“I’m the superintendent,” splutters Superintendent Heidegger.
“Ah, so you’re the one who will be speaking to the media about this story, then?”
“What story?”
“Well my editors haven’t come up with the headline yet, but I was thinking something along the lines of SEO covers up supernatural rights violations. Or perhaps corrupt leadership to blame. Government under threat.” She stretches out her hand in a line in front of her as if she’s printing the headlines now.
I can’t see Superintendent Heidegger’s face, but if it’s anything like I’m imagining, it’s quite a sight.
Barbara gives me a little smile over the superintendent’s shoulder and hope surges to life again.
“There haven’t been any violations!” the superintendent protests.
“Oh, so that’s why you’re illegally holding this citizen with no evidence and no charges?”
“We weren’t—”
“Ms. Bates was very concerned to hear how this case has been handled. The PR is bad and getting worse.”
Ms. Bates as in the PM? I blink. I knew Barbara had an important government job, but I didn’t know her connections reached all the way to Downing Street.
“No, that is to say… ah… there’s been some kind of error. We were just about to release him.”
“You were?” asks Jen.
The superintendent coughs. “I mean we just have some paperwork to clear up, but I’m sure if you—”
Barbara lifts a finger. “If you’re about to tell me to wait, I’d like to suggest that you rethink that. The PM is a busy lady.”
“If you’d like to step aside, ma’am, I’ll personally do the honors.”
I’m grinning to myself as the superintendent hurries back to my cell and turns the key in the lock.
