COLD STEEL, BLEEDING HEARTS
A man in a police uniform entered, glancing at the Woman then at the laptop.
“Ma’am, people reported strange lights from this room,” the officer said.
The Woman stared at Maya, then at the officer. Her terror was obvious.
“It’s... it’s just my book,” she whispered.
The officer stepped closer, eyed the desk, and saw Maya and Julian by her coffee cup. He didn’t scream or look surprised.
He drew a gun, pointing it at the Woman.
“You were told to finish the story an hour ago,” the officer said, his voice ice-cold and mechanical. “The Board doesn’t like waiting. Even here.”