Don't Talk to Strangers

XXXV

- Dan -
It hardly took a day before Will heard more news. He sauntered over to me and nudged me with a grin. "So, you know where the file is?"

"Yeah, but I can't possibly get it. It's at my house," I told him, groaning.

"We can work with that, don't worry." He folded his arms with a smirk. "Listen, they're getting desperate. They can't find anything and there's been no sign of her. They're considering bringing you in for questioning. That's good, got it?"

I perked up. "That means I can bargain with them, and tell them what I know."

WIll grinned and nodded. "Right. But you can't just barge in there and tell them everything they want. We've got to have a plan. You tell them the minimum," he instructed, leaning in closer and lowering his voice, "and when they press for more, you tell them you want out. To help, of course."

I pursed my lips. "Alright, I won't tell them about the file until after they've agreed. What do we have that I can bargain with? Besides..." I trailed off thoughtfully.

Will gestured for me to sit down and he pulled up a chair, folding his arms over the back of it. "Right, but you still know what the file said, don't you?" I swallowed, digging through my mind to try recalling the details. I'd specifically avoided certain paragraphs, but it was true, I did know the important things. "Good," Will patted my shoudler approvingly. "Let's get—!"

He was cut off with a shout of "Smith!" from an officer across the room. My head snapped up and I felt my stomach drop. When had I become so weak?

The officer motioned for me to come over, and I stood up after a wary look at Will. He nodded encouragingly and I slowly made my way over. "Yes, sir?"

"Come with us, you're wanted. Put your hands behind your back." I resisted the urge to groan and turned around, allowing them to cuff my wrists. I shifted uncomfortably and followed them out. This is it, they're going to ask me about her, about the file. Get your... game face on. I attempted a pep-talk for myself, but eventually rolled my eyes at the feeble effort.

Then I practically stopped moving. That's it! Attitude; bring the attitude back. I'm strong. I have to be. I flashed back to the confident demeanor I'd had when I'd first approached Cassie. I needed to bring that back.

I finally felt hopeful and rounded the corner with a strong stride. The doors closed behind me and I made my way to the chair set up on one side of the ominous table in the middle of the room. I awkwardly shifted a few times, trying to get into a position where my circulation wasn't getting cut off. I frustratingly rotated my wrists and glared at the table. 

It was a strange feeling, being fully aware of my emotions draining out of me and becoming steeled. I almost hated it.

I waited in silence for a few minutes—which only allowed me to continue preparing myself—before anyone entered the room. A fully decorated officer sat down in front of me with a huff. He crossed his arms on the table and tilted his head, not saying anything. I recognized the technique as a way to intimidate the interviewee beforehand. It certainly wasn't working.

"So, I hear you were a cop," he began, tilting his head to the other side. "They say you're a tough nut to crack." He smirked and sighed, feigning boredom. "I told them not to worry. You've got some things to say, don't you?"

I narrowed my eyes. I had to let him drone on, get desperate for answers.

The officer stopped tilting his head and leaned forward. "I'm Garrett. You can talk to me, Daniel." I rolled my eyes and he snorted. "Alright, so that's not how you want it to go, eh? Then let me ask you this: You know you're her last hope, right?"

I felt a twinge in my stomach but I refused to react. He continued regardless. "This... stalker of hers is not someone you'd want hanging around, especially a pretty little girl like her." I gritted my teeth at that. Garrett's mouth twitched. "She might very well be dead right now. You're being awfully selfish, you know," he said, leaning back in the chair lazily, "keeping this from us. Keeping us from her."

I was getting irritated. His confidence and stupid arrogance was grinding on my nerves, but I couldn't quite tell if I should say anything yet.

He started saying more, but I interrupted him. "I'm not just going to give it to you. I want something from you, too." Garrett raised his eyebrows and leaned back toward me.

"Oh, is that so?" he glided on. "I'm afraid we don't bargain with criminals."

"I'm not a criminal," I snapped. "I turned myself in, didn't I?"

Garrett shrugged, "Not really, Daniel. You were... fetched. And a criminal is defined as a person who has committed a crime... which I'm afraid you have done, if you haven't noticed." 

I clenched my fists. "I didn't hurt her. But if you don't let me make a deal with you, that man is going to." I shook in my seat, trying desperately to keep calm. You're almost there. Don't break now.

"Well," he replied smoothly, leaning forward and folding his hands beneath his chin coolly, "you'd better get a move on, then, haven't you?"