Then he looked toward the road.
Finally, he opened the door.
But he did not yet step out.
The moment Walter opened the door, Officer Brooks stepped backward.
“Come outside.”
Walter slowly stood.
His knees were stiff.
He placed one hand on the roof of the car for balance.
The officer watched him carefully.
Walter closed the door.
“Where were you last night?”
Walter stared at him.
“Why?”
“Just answer the question.”
“I was at home.”
The lie was small.
But it was still a lie.
Officer Brooks knew it.
Walter knew it.
And somewhere inside the car, the dashcam continued recording.
The officer asked again.
“Were you at Samuel Carter's house?”
Walter's face went pale.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then he asked:
“How do you know Samuel?”
The officer didn't answer.
Instead, he asked another question.
“Did Samuel give you anything?”
Walter felt a cold sensation move through his chest.
“No.”
“What did he give you?”
“Nothing.”
“Mr. Hayes, this is your opportunity to be honest.”
“I am being honest.”
The officer stepped closer.
Walter looked at him.
“You seem to know a lot about where I was last night.”
The officer's jaw tightened.
“I'm asking the questions.”
Walter nodded slowly.
“That doesn't answer mine.”
For a moment, the roadside became completely silent.
The second officer in the distance started walking closer.
Walter noticed.
His hand moved unconsciously toward his pocket.
The phone was still there.
Emily had not called back.
Walter wondered whether he should call again.
Then he remembered Samuel's words.
They already know about you.
Who were “they”?
Why was the police officer asking about Samuel?
And why had Samuel been afraid?
Walter suddenly understood something.
This was not a traffic stop.
It was an investigation.
And somehow, he was the target.
The previous evening had begun innocently.
Samuel Carter had called Walter shortly after dinner.
His voice had sounded strange.