42

Gwen watched in horror as Alexander was handcuffed and quickly escorted from the room. Feeling paralyzed, she watched helplessly as men moved through the rooms, shouting “clean” in each one.

“Was it just the two of you here tonight?” an officer asked. She had a lost look for a while before she was able to answer.

“Yes,” he said in a low voice. He felt that his heart wanted to beat out of his chest. Gwen had no idea what Alexander had done to necessitate the use of so many police. She felt her face flush, sitting and not believing what was happening.

"Madam?" the policeman asked as he tried

desperately to bring Gwen back to reality. "Can you hear me?"

Waving his hand in front of her, he tried to get her attention. She heard him mumbling vaguely, but she couldn't make out what he said. She shook her head from side to side and focused on the tall, elderly man who had invaded her night.

“Yes, forgive me, what?” he asked when he realized it wasn't a sick, crooked joke.

“My name is Officer