Flawless

The NAVE

Dedicated to me.

Chapter Three- The NAVE.

My discomfort was maximized and a sense of powerlessness welcomed me from the moment I stepped inside. It was a small, soundproof room with only three chairs and a desk and nothing on the walls. It created a sense of exposure, unfamiliarity and isolation, heightening my 'get me out of here' sensation even before the interrogation. My hands trembled and I became nervous.

"Calm, Karl. I'm here. "

I nodded slowly at F's voice and filled my lungs with enough air as the presence of the two detectives behind me became suffocating. I looked up and my gaze met with mine - there was a one-way mirror on the wall opposite me, it was more of an observation mirror. My anxiety increased and I bit the walls of my mouth willing my mind to be anywhere else but here. I failed. The attention this room demanded was too much to be ignored.

"Sit," the woman ordered and I sat.
The chair was uncomfortable, out of reach of controls like light switches, furthering my discomfort and setting up a feeling of dependence.

"I'm detective David, " Mr poker face introduced with a permanent scowl on his face.
" I'm detective Amaka. You can call me Amy. " she had an infectious smile plastered to her face and soon I felt my lips widen too.

Amy spoke up, her gaze locking mine and she refused to look away. I instantly knew it, she was trying to make an impression.

"Years ago, I was in this situation too," her voice was soft, encouraging me to open up. "And you know what?" she asked further.

My face lit up. "what?"
She clasped her hands together and searched my face. "I was scared. So, I wasn't willing to talk. And when I did, it was almost too late. Almost..." her voice trailed away and she looked distant.

Her masked look gave way to another expression I couldn't decipher and I wondered if I have even seen it because it was fleeting.
Curious me wanted to ask the details of what happened but my lips were glued together, unwilling to speak.

She smiled at me, she wanted me to trust her, to speak, say what happened but how could I when I didn't even know what happened.

"We want to help you, Karl. And we can do that only if you tell us what really happened. "
And that did it. Her voice turned cold, her whole body rigid. I shifted on the chair and my palms began sweaty.

David was still silent though the look on his face screamed 'impatient'.
This was manipulation, pure psychological manipulation. From the setting of the room to the chair I sat and to the mirror that helped them get a better view of my actions. I inhaled and for the second time in two days, I felt violated.

"Karleen! " David's terror filled voice filled my senses and I looked up from my already trembling hands to him.
" Where were you on September twenty-two? " his voice changed to calm again and Amy's smile returned but this time, it wasn't the sincere one. It was the 'you just have to spill it out' kind of smile.

I averted my gaze from David's.
Where was I on September 22? Think, Karleen. Think.
I squeezed my eyes shut, begging desperately for the memories to come but like always nothing happened.

"I don't know. "

If my reply shocked them I didn't know as they took it in well. David raised a brow and continued.
" Did you really force Jumoke into following you for the 'last' adventure? "
The stress he placed on last made my stomach churn.
" why was it a last adventure for you? What were you searching for? "

F please tell them to stop. Tell them to shut up. They don't know what happened. I killed no one. Who'll believe me? F please talk.

F didn't speak. I was alone and that realization was all it took for me to lose control.