Page 76 of Among the Screaming Trees

ME: 5.54 p.m.

No, you stink, dude. When was the last time you showered?

COP: 5.55 p.m.

That is not relevant to this investigation

ME: 5.56 p.m.

Investigation? You said these were general questions, no lawyer needed.

COP: 5.57

That’s right

ME: 5.57 p.m.

Only a shower required. Use lots of soap, yeah?

COP: 5.58 p.m.

Are you this rude to everyone?

ME: 5.58 p.m.

Rude? I’m honest. Does that offend you?

COP: 5.59 p.m.

I’m trying to do my job and act on reports of a stalker on campus. A woman is dead.

ME: 5.59 p.m.

Yep. She was in my class.

COP: 6.00 p.m.

Is that pertinent information?

ME: 6.00 p.m.

You tell me; you’re the one with the cuffs and badge.

COP: 6.01 p.m.

So, the deceased woman was in your class. Interesting.

ME: 6.01 p.m.

Very. To me and the twenty-four others in the class.

COP: 6.02 p.m.

Was she your friend?

ME: 6.02 p.m.

No