The Convict

The Polygraph

I barely had a chance to sit down before the police barged into the house. Flashing lights surrounded the whole block. They were shouting and I couldn't even get a single word out before they tackled me to the bed and arrested me.

Bernida called the cops on me.

"Melony Black you are under arrest for harboring an escaped convict," The detective told me.

"What are you talking about!? Dakota isn't here!" I shout.

Which wasn't a lie, she wasn't here. I have no clue where she is now.

"We received an anonymous tip that you were hiding her here," He tells me.

"Tell Bernida it's not anonymous if I know she's the only one who would call on me," I roll my eyes.

"Clear!" Officers start calling.

"Clear!"

"Clear!"

"She's not here boss," One officer walks up to the detective.

"Where is she?" he asks me.

"I don't know!" I shout.

"Take her in," he instructs.

So they haul me out in cuffs.

Reporters must have been tipped off too because they were already there taking my picture and recording me getting arrested.

I am driven to the police station and led inside where I am taken to an interrogation room. They take the handcuffs off and I rub the marks they left on my wrist. The detective comes in and hands me some water.

"I want my lawyer," I say to him.

"Melony, we just want to know where she is." He says to me.

"For the hundredth time, I don't know! Call my lawyer!" I demand.

He sighs but does as told. When my lawyer gets here, we all go back and forth but ultimately they have no proof that I know anything about Dakota's whereabouts. Because technically right now, I don't.

"Please, we know you want to help her. But it's safer for her if she comes willingly. The last thing I want is for this to end in a shootout. That's more paperwork for me, do you understand? We are trying to help her Melony, trying to keep her safe. If you know anything."

"I don't know how many times I have to say it, I don't know," I say.

"Would you be willing to submit to a polygraph so we can rule you out?"

"Yes! If that will make you believe me then yes!" I shout.

"Melony," My lawyer places a hand on my shoulder.

"It's okay, I have nothing to hide. I have no fucking clue where Dakota is." I assure him.

He sighs.

"Okay, wait here." The detective says.

When he comes back, he has this machine and he and a technician hook me up to it. It monitors my heartbeat or breathing or something, to be honest, I have no clue how it works. Then my lawyer waits behind them as I sit alone on one side of the table, waiting for them to begin.

"State your full name for the record."

"Melony Marie Black."

"What color are your eyes?"

"Brown."

"What language do you speak?"

"English, but I can also speak Spanish when I have to."