Inside the police station, Selina sat across from the officer, who was likely a detective, at a metallic table beneath harsh fluorescent lights. Her head was lowered.
The officer flipped through a stack of documents, pen poised, his tone cool and professional. "Miss, if you want to leave here without complicating matters further, you need to cooperate with me."
Selina lifted her eyes, meeting the officer's sharp gaze. She knew she had to tread carefully, one wrong move, one wrong word, and she'd risk making herself look guilty.
Her voice, quiet yet tinged with frustration, broke the silence.
"What do you want to hear from me? Should I lie and say I'm the culprit behind everything?"
The officer's eyes locked onto hers, a sharp and unwavering gaze. "I'm not asking for lies. Since you claim to be innocent, all you need to do is tell me everything that happened. Or do you not want to prove your innocence and seek justice for the victim?"
Justice? The word sounded so convincing and, at the same time, surreal.
Selina nearly let out a psychopathic laugh as she wondered if life was toying with her and trapping her at the same time. She had wanted this, but she knew Zane didn't deserve to bear any consequences after the immense pain her father had brought into his life.
She felt helpless, knowing exactly what this so-called justice would mean for her father.
The officer noticed her dazed gaze and trembling hands on the table. "Don't be afraid. I won't let anyone harm you. I'll make sure you're safe." his voice was a little soft.
Then, after a brief pause, his tone sharpened again. "Did anyone threaten you? The ones who harmed Mr. Hudson?"
Selina shook her head. "No. They didn't threaten me."
"Then tell me what happened."
Taking a shaky breath, Selina began recounting a half-truth. She spoke of being taken to an unknown location, nearly handed over to a scarred man, and being rescued by a mysterious figure. She was careful not to mention Zane's name, his motives, or the identity of the strange saviour. She wasn't even sure whose side that person was on.
The interrogation room fell into an uneasy silence. The air felt thick, suffocating, as Selina swallowed the remaining truth, feeling the weight of it crushing her.
The officer's gaze swept over her, noting the bruised skin, the split lip, and the trembling fingers. She looked fragile, too delicate to have committed such a violent act.
Yet, something about her testimony didn't sit quite right with him. His brows drew together slightly, suspicion flickering in his eyes.
"Just to be clear. Apart from this person abducting Mr. Hudson and harming him over his assets, you don't know his ulterior motives?"
Selina's hands curled tightly around the hem of her dress, her voice trembling slightly but enough to sound firm. "Yes. All I know is that he wanted the assets. He didn't say anything else."
"And you have no idea who this mysterious saviour is?"
"No. I've never seen him before."
"He didn't ask you for anything in return?"
"No," Selina replied, feeling a droplet of sweat trace down her spine.
The officer noted her answers, studying her closely. Her tension was obvious, but her tone remained neutral.
"Did you see their faces? Anything that could help us identify them?"
"I did see the scarred man's face and the men with him, but not the one wearing the mask."
"Describe the scarred man. And as much as you can recall about the masked man who tried to hand you over."
Selina described them, carefully, one detail at a time. As she spoke, the officer sketched. His pencil moved with precision, translating her words into sharp lines and familiar shapes. The likeness was uncanny, especially the masked figure that was still obscured.
When Selina glanced at the drawings, a chill ran through her. The scarred man's features stared back at her from the paper, along with a rough sketch of the masked man, Zane, concealed yet eerily recognizable.
"Can you identify them with this drawing?" she asked, her voice catching.
The officer pointed to one sketch with a steady hand."We can identify him. But the masked one will be more difficult."
Selina's shoulders slumped with a silent exhale; for now, she had made it through. She wasn't sure if the officer believed her.
The officer snapped his notebook shut.
Seeing that he had finished his notes. Selina asked the crucial question, "Can I go home now?"
"You can't leave custody until we catch the remaining culprits, recover the assets, and prove your innocence," he replied firmly.
"I've told you everything. Go after the scarred man and interrogate him! He'll tell you I'm innocent," Selina pressed, frustration breaking through.
"Since you claim to be innocent, you'll have to wait for that to be proven while I follow protocol," the officer said, voice cool, unbothered by her desperation.
Selina lowered her gaze, unpleasant and fearful thoughts creeping into her mind about how long she'd be trapped in here. She knew Madame Leah wouldn't let her go easily until everything was resolved.
And as for Zane, it would be impossible to recover the assets from him since he seemed too mysterious and he can be powerful as well.
No matter what, she wouldn't let herself take the fall for something she hadn't done. There had to be a way out.
An idea suddenly sparked in her mind, a legal loophole.
"I want an attorney," she declared, her voice shaking slightly with disbelief at her own words. "I'm entitled to one, right?"
"Yes, you are. Give me your attorney's information, and I'll contact them," the officer replied.
"I don't have one right now. But I want to contact a friend who can help me find one," Selina said.
"Okay. Follow me."
He led her to a nearby desk. At his gesture, she picked up the landline, her hands cold and clammy as she dialled.
The phone rang several times, tension building with each tone until finally, Annabelle picked at the other end.
"Best! I was so worried! The boss is furious because you couldn't make it to the restaurant. I just saw what happened online. Where are you?"
Selina clenched her fist, feeling disheartened that the news had already spread online. People always sought entertainment in others' misfortunes.
"I'm at the Sky City police station," Selina replied, her voice low. Then, pleading softly, "Anna, can you get me an attorney? Please I need to get out of here."
"Don't worry, Best. I'll find someone. I won't let you stay there for long."
"Okay. I'll wait." Selina muttered, clinging to Annabelle's promise like her last hope.
After the call, she returned the phone to its cradle and turned as the officer motioned for her to follow him.
He led her to the cell, the metallic clank of the lock echoing in the cold, sterile air. Selina stepped inside, her heart heavy as the door closed behind her, locking her in the lonely silence. She hoped to escape this cell soon and Annabelle finding an attorney that would stick with her till the very end.