05 The Haunting of Saxton Mansion by Various Authors

Author:Various Authors
Language: eng
Format: azw3
Published: 2019-05-30T05:00:00+00:00

23

AGAINST THE LAW

T he familiar-looking officer approached Rob with a steady stride. He had a crew cut and was wearing large Oakley sunglasses, not somebody to mess with. He had come out of nowhere and surprised Rob, not just because he was there, but because it was one of the same officers who had been called to his house the night prior. It was Sergeant Cunningham, and he recognized Rob as well.

“Mr. Hooper?”

“Sergeant Cunningham?” Rob said, looking around. “How are you?”

Cunningham kept a careful distance as he lowered his hand away from the pistol. “We got a call about a break-in from a neighbor. You know anything about that?”

“Nope,” Rob said, shaking his head.

“Can I ask then what you're doing here?” Cunningham said, unconvinced.

Rob looked around, glancing a few houses over, where his MINI Cooper was parked. “Nothing. Just passing through. I've been driving around trying to clear my head. My wife was in an accident last night, as you know.”

Cunningham placed his hands at his sides above his belt and studied Rob with clear suspicion. “Yes, Mr. Hooper. I'm glad to hear that she's doing better.”

“Thank you. And thanks for your help yesterday.” Trying to butter him up, he stood there awkwardly and then almost made it worse in his rush to get away. “So, I’d kind of like to get moving then. If you don't mind.” Rob began to walk away, through the yard, as Cunningham shadowed him.

“I apologize, Mr. Hooper, but I can't let you go any farther.”

Rob halted with the folder held firmly against his side, trying to conceal it. He considered trying to explain everything to the sergeant but wasn't sure where he would start or if it mattered. Instead, he asked a question of his own. “What do you know about this house?”

Cunningham rocked his head back, confused. The radio on his belt blasted with cross-chatter as he turned the volume knob down. “I know that a neighbor reported a man of your description sneaking around the backyard and watched as this same man opened a window and went inside for about twenty minutes.”

Rob shook his head with a laugh. “Did they say anything else?”

“Not that I know of,” Cunningham said. “Now, Mr. Hooper. I'm sure you have your reasons, but unless they are consistent with the law, I'm going to have to take you in.”

“I didn’t do anything wrong,” Rob argued.

“You just came from that house, correct, sir?” Cunningham asked.

Rob looked directly at him, unable to provide a clear answer. “I did, but I had a good reason.” He noticed that Cunningham was watching him closely with no intention of letting him go. “Fine,” Rob said, giving up. “You want to arrest me?”

“I'm afraid I have to, Mr. Hooper.”

Rob walked toward the car in anger as Cunningham followed.

“I need you to put your belongings on the hood, please.”

Rob stopped and turned to Cunningham, further dismayed. “I don’t get it. I’m no criminal. I’m doing research. I—” Rob stopped himself before saying any more. It seemed there was nothing that could be said or done to change the situation.

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