Uninvited guests

The knock came softly at first—careful, deliberate, like it hoped to be mistaken for the neighbor’s TV.

“Who is there?” I asked, staying exactly where I was.

“Police.”

My stomach tightened, but my voice didn’t. “What do you want?”

“We want to talk.”

I glanced at the clock. Too late for casual conversation. Too early for regret. I stepped closer to the door, lowering my voice. “How many of you are there?”

There was a pause. A shuffle. Then, “Two.”

I smiled. “So talk with each other.”

Silence dropped into the hallway like a held breath.

I pictured them there—two officers under a flickering light, exchanging a look that said Is this guy serious? One shifted his weight. The other cleared his throat.

“We need to speak with you,” one finally said.

“I’m listening,” I replied. “The door is thin.”

Another pause. Longer this time.

“We have some questions.”

“Perfect,” I said. “You ask one. He answers. You’re already halfway there.”...