NovelStartThe police officers avoided mentioning drugs outright, not wanting to spook the suspect.
But everyone in the room understood what was going on.
Hearing the implication, Eloise paled, shaking her head emphatically.
"No way! You must have the wrong person." Before the officers could explain further, another voice cut through the tension.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇt"What's going on? Why all the commotion?" It was Bridget.
She stepped inside, surprise flitting across her face when she saw Eloise. "Ms. Eloise? I didn't know you were dining here! Wait... Where's Sylvia? I don't see her." The officers immediately tensed at the missing headcount. If someone had slipped away, especially under the influence of drugs, there could be real danger.
One of the cops pressed, "Who else isn't here? Where are they now? If you don't answer honestly, you could be charged with harboring a suspect." Eloise frowned, shooting Bridget a look of annoyance.
Bridget quickly covered her mouth, apologetic. "Sorry! I didn't mean to stir things up, but Ms. Eloise, I'm just worried. If you end up helping a criminal, that sticks with you for life. How will you ever design the perfect jewelry collection again?" Others in the room nodded, their eyes narrowing at Eloise, as if urging her to cooperate. They were business associates, not family-they weren't about to risk their own futures.
Just as Eloise faltered, unsure what to say, a voice piped up from the corner. "I'm over here!" Sylvia stepped forward, rubbing her stomach. She looked pale but composed.
"Sorry, officers. I just ate too much and my stomach's acting up. I didn't realize you were talking to me. Am I in trouble?" The cop sized her up. Aside from her sickly appearance, she didn't seem out of sorts.
"Stand over there, please. We're going to check everyone, one by one." "Sure." Sylvia started to relax, but Bridget suddenly rushed over, grabbing her arm.
She stared at Sylvia's hand, eyes wide. "Sylvia, your palm's ice cold and you're sweating-your hands are shaking! That's not just an upset stomach, is it?" Sylvia yanked her hand back. "Thanks, but I'm fine." She tried to walk away, but the cop's voice stopped her cold. "Don't move." Sylvia's heart skipped a beat as she turned back. "Yes?" Bridget chimed in again, "Officer, can you check Sylvia first? She really doesn't look well. I can take her to the hospital once you're finished." The officers turned their full attention to Sylvia.
"Where were you sitting?" Sylvia pressed her lips together, silent.
Bridget's red lips curled into a slight smile, excitement flashing in her eyes. "Con, Sylvia, everyone's waiting. Don't waste time. I believe in you." When Sylvia didn't budge, the cops grew even more suspicious.
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmReluctantly, Sylvia pointed. "Over there."
The officer strode over, immediately grabbing her wine glass-people often use alcohol to wash down legal substances. The residue at the bottom caught his eye and his face grew serious. "Is this what you were drinking?" Sylvia nodded. "Yes." "How long have you been using? Tell the truth and it'll go easier for you," the cop said sternly.
"I don't know what you're talking about. I haven't taken anything,"M replied the Sylvia her voice steady.
"If you refuse to cooperate, we'll test it right here. After that you won't get another chance to cclean," the officer warned. Sylvia clenched her fists. "Fine. I hope your tests prove I'm innocent." Bridget's smile only grew wider.
The officer wasted no time, pulling out a drug test kit and dipping it into the glass...
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