- 3.
Emergency sirens howled, not for an ambulance, but for the fire department, racing past the window. I watched, dazed, as the red lights vanished into the distance.
“We’ve verified your identification. Here, take your documents back.”
I snapped out of it, taking the documents Captain Miller handed me.
All my IDs: driver’s license, student ID, and the lab access card.
2:13 pm PPPS.
<
“Don’t worry, we’ll go to the hospital with you.” His clear, reassuring voice gave me such a sense of security that I drifted into a deep sleep before the ambulance even arrived, waking only when my body was suddenly yanked, almost throwing me off the bed.
“Audrey Hayes, you’re suspected of arson. We need you to cooperate with our investigation!”
The same cold, stern voice as in my past life sent a shiver down my spine.
My head was still a bit foggy. I stared blankly at the people in front of me and asked, bewildered,
“What?”
“Do you think getting yourself admitted to the hospital will get you out of this?” Dean Henderson’s voice was hoarse; he looked like he hadn’t slept all night.
“Audrey, you were caught on camera escaping after starting the fire.” Dr. Silas Vance, still looking refined and scholarly, condemned me in the gentlest tone.
“Your recent research progress has stalled, and you’ve been under too much stress.”
“I told her she wouldn’t have to delay graduation, but who knew she’d be so extreme, rather destroying everything than admitting her own incompetence.”
He explained to the Dean and the officers, playing the part of a caring mentor.
“This really is her fault, but I hope you can go easy on her, considering how young she is.”
The officers ignored his soft–spoken pleas. Detective Captain Hayes coldly addressed me: “She’s an adult and must take responsibility for her actions.”
“What exactly happened?” I asked, completely confused.
“Still playing dumb!” Dean Henderson roared, pointing at me. “Minutes after you left the lab last night, it caught fire!”
“The fire spread, causing an explosion, and half the lab building was destroyed!”
“The whole university didn’t dare close an eye last night, and here you are, having a leisurely sleep in the hospital!”
He turned to Detective Captain Hayes, shaking his head in disappointment. “Detective Captain Hayes, just take her. I’m done with this.”
2:13 pm
<
“I never went to the academic building last night!” I propped myself up on the hospital bed, leaning forward, desperately trying to make them believe me.
“I have no reason to burn down the academic building, please believe me!” No matter how earnest or anxious I was, everyone around me stared coldly, as if I were a jumping clown.
“You should be grateful no one was hurt. Otherwise, we wouldn’t be speaking to you so politely.”
“I am Detective Captain Hayes of the city’s Major Crimes Unit. You are officially under arrest. Take her away!” He roughly yanked my arm, pulling me off the bed without a shred of gentleness.
I stood barefoot on the cold floor, the chill seeming to freeze my heart.
A female officer next to me gripped my wrist tightly, the cold glint of handcuffs about to snap shut.
“What are you doing?!”
A firm shout from the doorway interrupted her.
A young uniformed officer, clutching a lunchbox, stood in the doorway, frowning as he glared at everyone in the room.
“Who are you?” Dr. Silas Vance asked him gently. “Are you Audrey Hayes‘ boyfriend?”
His words instantly undercut the officer’s authoritative presence.
“My commanding officer sent me to look after her.”
The young officer ignored Dr. Silas Vance, walking straight past him to address Detective Captain
Hayes.
“What’s going on? She’s still a patient!”
“She’s suspected of arson, causing significant property damage. We need to take her to the precinct,” Detective Captain Hayes said, strictly professional.
The young officer looked at me, troubled. Seeing my pleading gaze, he thought for a moment, then stepped directly in front of me. “I’m coming with her, and I’ll inform my commanding officer. Otherwise, you’re not taking her anywhere.”
2:14 pm P P P s
<
