Page 9 of Paws and Claws

"Standard procedure."

She bit back a sarcastic response and grabbed her leather jacket, pulling it tight around her like armor. The familiar scent of leather and paint helped steady her nerves.

The ride to the station passed in tense silence. Tabitha watched the town blur past through the passenger window, her reflection ghosting over the glass. Her dark purple hair looked particularly vibrant against the afternoon sun, and she caught Dominic glancing at her more than once.

The interrogation room was exactly what she'd expected - stark white walls, metal table, and uncomfortable chairs. Her magic itched to add some color to the depressing space.

"Have a seat." Dominic's commanding tone was back as he settled into the chair across from her.

Tabitha dropped into the metal chair, crossing her arms. "You know, if you wanted to spend time with me, you could've just asked me out."

He ignored her comment and opened a file. "Where were you two days ago around noon?"

"Probably painting. Or napping. Maybe both." She paused briefly. "Why?"

"Three drivers crashed their vehicles after experiencing sudden confusion." He leaned forward, his presence filling the small room. "And last night, a group reported being robbed by ghouls outside Mario's. And this morning, several electrical poles collapsed near Monkey Park."

Tabitha's heart skipped. These weren't her usual minor infractions - speeding tickets and noise complaints. This was serious. Her wild magic crackled in response to her rising anger, making the fluorescent lights above flicker.

Dominic's eyes tracked the movement of the lights, his expression hardening. "All these incidents occurred within a few blocks of your home."

She stared at him, her mouth slightly open, too shocked to even come up with one of her usual quips. Her mind raced through the past few days - she'd been home working on her paintings, trying to create something good enough to finally get a gallery showing.

"So, what are you suggesting?" she finally asked, leaning forward. "You think I did all that? I didn't even know about any of it!"

"You have powerful wild magic, Miss Moon," Dominic replied. "Magic that could easily cause confusion, create illusions, or snap utility poles."

The assertion in his voice made her magic surge again, and she had to clench her fists to keep it contained. How dare he think she'd hurt people? Sure, she bent the rules sometimes, but she wasn't a criminal.

"Oh, so because I have wild magic, I must be the bad guy?" Her magic sparked, making the overhead light flicker again. "News flash, Sheriff Perfect, there are other witches in town."

He pushed a map across the table. Red circles marked each incident, forming a rough triangle around her neighborhood. "The evidence-"

"The evidence shows I live in the area. That's it." She jabbed her finger at the map. "I speed sometimes. I play my music too loud. I forget to return library books. But I don't hurt people."

"Then where were you during these incidents?"

"I told you - at home, painting!" Her voice rose with frustration. "I've been trying to get ready for a gallery submission. Check my Instagram if you don't believe me. I post progress pics."

Dominic's jaw tightened. "Those could have been taken any time."

"For fuck's sake!" Tabitha shot to her feet, her chair scraping against the floor. Purple sparks danced in her hair as her control slipped. "I would never put kids in danger! Do you really think I'd collapse poles near a playground? Or cause car crashes? What kind of person do you think I am?"

His eyes flashed. "The kind who doesn't care about rules or consequences."

The accusation stung more than Tabitha cared to admit. She planted her hands on the table, leaning into his space. "There's a difference between breaking stupid rules and hurting innocent people."

Something flickered across his face - doubt, maybe? - but his expression quickly hardened again. "Sit down, Miss Moon. We're not finished."

"No, I don't think I will." Her magic crackled around her hands where they touched the table. "Not until you stop treating me like a criminal."

Dominic suddenly slapped a photo on the table, making Tabitha jump. Her motorcycle gleamed under the streetlight outside Mario's.

"Care to explain this?"

Tabitha looked down, her purple hair falling across her face as she studied the grainy image. "Yeah, I got the eggplant parm there. Sue me."

"Near the time of the robbery." His voice rumbled low, sending an unwanted shiver down her spine.

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