Page 26 of Treason's Temptation
I marched across the street to get answers, but the officer manager, Leslie, didn’t have any that made sense.
“You’re telling me the leasing policy just changed overnight?” My voice was even, but the irritation bubbled beneath the surface. “And somehow, I’m the only one affected?”
Leslie didn’t even flinch. “Your file was flagged for income verification.”
I huffed a laugh. “I’ve lived here for over a year. My lease was renewed last month. If my occupational eligibility was an issue, why wasn’t it brought up then?”
She shifted uncomfortably. “I only enforce the policies as they’re given to me. I’m sorry, Miss Dixon.”
“Right.” My jaw tightened. “I’ll need a copy of that policy, please.”
“I’m sorry, but as of today, your lease is terminated, and per policy, you need to vacate the premises immediately.”
I squared my shoulders, trying to maintain my composure, but Leslie was trying it. “Fine, let me in to get my stuff.”
“To keep the unit in its original condition, you must wait for the apartment manager to let you in to collect your things.”
“When will that be?”
“Friday.”
“So I’m locked out of my shit with nothing but the clothes on my back until Friday? You’ve got me fucked up! When I’m done, I’ll own this building, and my first order of business is firing you!” I yelled, lunging across the counter.
She blinked slowly but moved fast, jumping out of my reach. “You’re trespassing! I’m calling the police!”
Then security showed up, followed by two cops, strolling in like they already had me pegged. One officer asked to speak with me outside. Another radioed something in. They continued to use words like'precautionary'and'temporary detainment.'
“We have some questions, Miss Dixon,” the taller cop said. “You’re not under arrest, but you will need to come with us.”
“And if I say no?” I asked.
“Then I’d remind you that you attempted to assault Mrs. Jackson. We can also legally hold you for questioning for up to twenty-four hours. Voluntary or not.”
Officer Smith didn’t wait for me to respond or even nod, ushering me out of the leasing office into the cramped squad car. Pulling up to the precinct, this had to be a hallucination. There was no way I was stuck in a dingy booking room. I didn’t know how long I’d been here because he had taken my belongings, and there wasn’t a clock on the wall. Just a wobbly metal table and chair that made my ass so numb, I traded it for the floor after a while.
I drew my knees in and rested my forehead against them, allowing me to think without distractions. Then Officer Smith walked back in, wearing a smug look. Not feeling the power dynamic of him standing over me, I stood up but refused to speak.
He leaned in, arms folded. “Miss Dixon, we’re not saying you’re in trouble… yet, but your nonprofit doesn’t seem to do muchnon-profiting.We have your bank statements here, and there are a lot of red flags.”
I kept my eyes trained on the folder but didn’t reach for it. He waited, hoping I would respond. Instead, I blinked, still refusing to open my mouth.
“You should start explaining before you are in trouble,” he urged, while his beady eyes slid from my V-cut top to my lips. “I can help you if you let me.”
Smith wanted me to start talking and inadvertently admit something. That’s how most people ended up buried in charges- trying to explain, reason, or be helpful. Sloane taught me the game, so he’d have to do his job if he wanted to book me.
“Nothing to say?” Smith asked, scribbling something down.
I folded my arms and leaned back, shrugging like I had since I got here. Eventually, he gave up and stepped out. Since I was a kid, I could maneuver my way out of anything, but this hill felt steep, like it would take more time than I had to climb it. Lowering back to the floor, I closed my eyes, trying not to think about Rayven’s tuition or what would happen if they didn’t let me go.
Calm down and think, Navie. What can you use to get yourself out of here?
The door opened again, and I thought Officer Smith was back to gloat or make more sexual innuendos. Instead, he tilted his head toward the hallway.
“It’s your lucky day. Your lawyer just arrived,” he groaned.
“My lawyer?”I repeated to myself, confused.
Treason swaggered in the room, looking good in the black-on-black suit with no tie, radiating power. I begged God for a way out, but this had to be the work of the devil.
