Poker is over. Now it's a game of chess, one that Jason is good at.
Jane moves a piece. "I was only asked to return the phone to Miss Doll's office."
Noted. Jason's turn.
"What was in it for you? What were you expecting in return?"
Jane buys herself some time. "What do you mean?"
"I mean were you promised any money if your partner was able to sell the phone?"
Check.
She gives any answer, she loses a valuable piece.
If she says yes (I was promised money), she admits to having stolen the phone voluntarily; she was not held against her will.
If no (I was not promised money), she's saying she was being stupid because why would she risk her reputation in exchange of nothing at all?
So, what's it gonna be?
"Like you said, I needed money. And what made you think he's my partner?"
Noted. She basically answered my question with a 'yes' and ended with a challenge, so now I'm under check.
Counterattack.
"So it's a he? Okay... Was he not your partner? Did you happen to voluntarily steal for a total stranger?"
All eyes turn back to Jane, expecting an answer in return. One that doesn't come.
I continue the attack.
"You said it's because you needed money. Can we ask what for?"
She stares blankly before looking back at me and shaking her head 'no'.
"Okay, alright. Let's go back."
He taps the table twice where his laptop lies.
YOU ARE READING
No Honor Among Thieves
Non-FictionA group of like-minded students gives their best to pull the thief hiding among their classmates into the light.
