The police vehicle drove into the suburban street at low cruising speed. It came to a halt by the curb in front of the lawn of the fourth house by the right. Emblazoned on either side of the vehicle was the symbol of the Tongue Patrol, or an eagle's head enclosed in a shield of gold. Few neighbouring eyes turned from what they were doing to size up the vehicle with speculation, neither one of them had ever come across such a patrol unit before. Probably something the state recently introduced to keep the streets further safe from exploding crime rate.
The drivers' door opened and a black man dressed in matching black shirt and khaki shorts stepped out, closed the door behind him and stood there for a moment, savouring the morning summer's air. He wore a black Stetson hat, with the Tongue Patrol insignia stamped in the centre. He was of average height with the body frame of one known to fitness hours inside a gym often; the fabric of his clothes bulging slightly outwards from his muscles. His skin had a luminous shine about them, almost as if he'd rubbed himself with baby oil before coming down here; his features were both calm and handsome. His eyes stared from behind a pair of glasses, taking in the view of the street with serene interest. Making his way through the front of his patrol car, he stepped into the driveway of his designated house and approached the front door.
He pressed the doorbell. Heard a female voice from inside yelling that she was coming. It didn't take long before there came the sound of a lock twisting in the door and finally it came open. The woman was middle-aged, somewhere in here mid-forties. Shoulder-length brown hair, questioning hazel eyes and full lips that looked ever inviting. She was wearing a housecoat and polka dot boxer shorts. Her brow made a slight frown as she took in the expressionless glare of the patrol Officer.
"Yes, Officer? What can I do for you?" she asked the question hesitatingly as if already scared to hear the reply.
"Good morning, ma'am. My name is Officer Kent from the Tongue Patrol squad," the Officer said warmly, taking out his ID shield from the corner of his waist belt and presenting it to her. "We're a newly assigned squad, perhaps you might have heard about us."
She shook her head slowly, still sceptical of what he was here for. "No sir, I don't think I have."
"Anyway, it's irrelevant. You are Miss Delilah Ferguson, right, and you work over at Johnston & Baker Enterprises over on 147 Canal Avenue?" she nodded that yes she was. "Well ma'am, our office has received tons of complaints from numerous co-workers of yours claiming that you've been up to no good. I'm here to make sure everything gets straightened out."
Delilah blinked several times. "Officer, I'm sorry but I don't understand --"
"Why don't we continue our discussion inside, ma? I'd advise you to remain calm so as not to draw any attention from the neighbours."
"Oh, okay ... all right," she opened the door further, and allowed the Officer inside before closing it behind him. She led the way through the hallway and into the living room. From the stereo speakers echoed the words of Phil Collins crooning about feeling something coming in the air tonight. Delilah reduced the volume to a bare minimum before turning to face her visitor.
"Officer Kent, look, I have no idea what any of my colleagues might have told you, but I still have no idea of whatever it is that you're here about."
"You will in due time ma'am, I assure you. But for now I'd like to conduct a reasonable inspection of your home in case you're procuring any illegal substances."
Delilah couldn't believe what she had just heard. "Illegal what?"
"That's correct, ma'am. I'd first like to start with your bedroom. Perhaps you may lead the way." He indicated a hand towards the staircase by the hallway. Delilah made no attempt to move; her face was still aghast at the Officer's incriminating words. Officer Kent decided then to add some evidence of threat to his words. "Ma'am, you either co-operate with me right now, or it's a ride down to the station in a pair of handcuffs. And trust me when I say you wouldn't want for that to happen."
Delilah thought it best to obey, seeing that she had little or no choice in the matter, and led the way up the flight of stairs towards her bedroom. She opened the door and made way for the Officer to step inside. She waited while his head turned towards every corner of the room, taking in the bed, dresser, vanity table and everything else. He made no attempt to search anything.
"Well, Officer?" she said indignantly.