Saphora: vol.1 Retention (The Athena Universe) by Jaz Johnson

table. There was a single chair on the other side, though she was almost certain that there would be more than one entering the room to speak to her. The one that sat would play the role as the “good cop”. While the one that stood in the dimly lit corner of the room, no doubt with arms and legs crossed, would have the burden of being the bad. She waited patiently with her hands in her lap, careful not to touch anything. She had watched enough television to know the process that was about to take place.
    She heard mumbling from outside the door. It was Dr. Lupin, speaking with the men that would be entering with him. Fran had insisted that the doctor be present during the investigation to discuss his assessment. Lupin had explained to the officers that Saphora’s mental condition was questionable, and had given a brief explanation of what he thought to have happened. But of course, the police still wanted to have their own conversation with her. Their own psychologist was standing outside the room, behind the two-way glass.
    It wasn’t long before the three men entered the room. Dr. Lupin entering first, a nd the two officers following behind him. The first officer took a seat across from Saphora, while the second officer stepped forward and placed a glass of water on the table in front of her. He stayed bent for a moment, making eye contact with her before leaning back up, and going to lean against the wall behind his fellow officer. Dr. Lupin came around behind Saphora, and dragged a chair from the corner.
    “Hello. Saphora, right?” the man in front of her asked, more than greeted. Saphora nodded her answer, glancing at his, and then his co-worker’s face. Studying their expressions.  The one seated, seemed to be comfortably confident. While, the one in far end of the room seemed to be strikingly observant in his stillness.
    “Hello,” she answered back, looking to her side at Dr. Lupin. “Where’s Fran?” she asked, in a low voice. Seeing as though she wasn’t in the room with them, she assumed that she was on the other side of the two-way glass.
    “In the other room, don’t worry,” he answered, with about the same level of volume as his voice could produce. Saphora lifted her chin some in acknowledgement, knowing that that most likely meant that she was in the room watching from behind the two-way glass.
    “And why are you here? I fired you.”
    Lupin cleared his throat, and chuckled a bit, shifting in his chair uncomfortably as the seated officer spread out some papers on the table.
    “Maybe right now isn’t the best time to talk about that ,” he suggested, adjusting his glasses on the bridge of his nose.
    “Yes, maybe now isn’t the best time to talk about that, seeing as though he’s here to defend you ,” the man sitting in front of them said, looking up with a grin once he had settled the papers. There was a slight silence between them before Saphora shook her head.
    “I don’t need a defense. I’m not guilty of anything.”
    “Other than stealing Jones’ truck, of course,” he cut in, rather sharply. Saphora’s speech was cut short and she stared at the man, unsure of what to say as a response. She hadn’t realized until that moment that she could very well be charged for taking the truck, even if it was to save her life.
    “I was …”
    “Borrowing it?” the man asked with a smile. Saphora’s eyes narrowed.
    “I had to.”
    “Of course. Well. We’ll get to that in a bit,” he said with an intake of air as he folded his hands on top of the table. His large watch clanged against the metal, and made Saphora’s ears ring. “I’m Officer Roland. And this behind me is Officer Glover. We’re going to be handling your case.”
    “Don’t you mean Gary Jones’ case?” Saphora interrupted. Roland paused, and their eyes met. He smirked.
    “Right. Jones’ case. You’re a witness. And until further notice, a suspect.”
    Saphora was silent as his words sunk in. She glanced