Page 15 of Played
Unknown number.
"Hello?"
"Ms. Singh? This is Detective Thompson from Cumberland PD. We have a few follow-up questions regarding Monday's incident, the robbery at Moore's Convenience. Would you be able to come down to the station?"
My stomach tightens. "When?"
"Tomorrow, if possible. Shouldn't take more than thirty minutes."
I glance at Daniel. His jaw sets, that muscle ticking near his ear.
"Yeah. Okay. I can be there. What time?"
"How about ten am?"
"Sure."
"Thank you, Ms. Singh."
The call ends. Daniel's staring.
"Who was that?"
Daniel's voice holds that careful edge—the one that sounds casual but isn't.
"Detective Thompson. Cumberland PD." I set the phone on the coffee table, watching his expression shift. "Follow-up questions about the robbery. Tomorrow at ten."
His arm withdraws from my shoulders. "I'll take you."
"You don't need to."
"I want to."
"Daniel." I twist to face him. "You weren't even there."
"Exactly. Which is why I should be there now. For support."
"Support for what? I'm answering questions, not facing a firing squad."
His hand finds my knee—gripping, not caressing. "You've never dealt with police before. These situations can get complicated. They'll try to trip you up, make you remember things differently—"
"I remember it fine. And I’m not a suspect here… just a witness.”
"Liza—"
"No." I pull away, standing. His shirt falls to mid-thigh as I move toward the window, putting distance between us. The city lights blur beyond the glass. "You don't get to control this."
"Control?" The word comes out sharp. "I'm trying to help you."
"I don't need help. It's thirty minutes of questions. I was there, you weren't. What are you even going to do—sit in the waiting room and glare at everyone?"
His jaw clenches. That muscle ticking again.
"You're treating me like I'm five years old." My voice rises despite my efforts to keep it level. "Like I can't handle basic adulting on my own. I give witness statements, they ask follow-ups, I answer. Done. No boyfriend escort required."
"I'm looking out for you."
"You're suffocating me."
