Page 85 of Mr. Dangerous

"ID," the one cop said, pushing me against the wall. I already had my hands up, and I waggled the clip inmyhand.

The cop took it from me roughly, pulled out my ID, and looked me over. "It'shim."

I felt the tension ease slightly in the hallway. At least no one was inclined to shoot merightnow.

"What're you doing here?" A young cop with a heavy Boston accent gestured at the crimescenetape.

"I know, I don't belong here," I said. "I'm just trying to figure out what's going on with my father. He's in acomaat--"

"We know." The young cop said. "Ifoundhim."

"You did?" I asked. "Can I ask you somequestions?"

"Oh, no, Mr. Delaney," he said. "We're going to ask you somequestions."

"Hold on," I said. "I have to call mygirlfriend."

"You have to call your girlfriend?Really?"

"Well," I said. "She's inthere."

The cop said, “You better get her out here. You both are introuble.”

I didn’t feel like I was inthatmuch trouble, really, now that no one was pointing a gun at me. Everything else wasnegotiable.

Well, except for maybe Naomi’s ire as she stepped out besides me into the hall, her palms above her head like she was about to break into a gospel song. She shot me adarklook.

“Sorry,” Imouthed.

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