"We are fortunate tonight," he offered with a big smile. "Our favorite officer has brought in two unfortunate souls who made several stupid mistakes this evening. They need to be punished for their transgressions, and if tradition follows, they will probably prefer that municipal law and publicity be avoided at all costs. Shall we adjoin to the theater to witness their interrogation?"
With a strong murmur of approval, the group stood and began to move toward a door in the rear of the room, taking their drinks with them. We entered at the top of what actually did look like a theater, or at least a private screening room. The floor slanted down to a screen that I realized was really one way glass. We sat in the dark, watching a brightly lit room on the other side. The room was unfurnished except for a table the size of a billiard table and several chairs around its edge. The table was sturdy wood, with an inlaid red leather surface. It looked like the leather was laid over something softer than hard wood, and I guessed it was even softer than it looked.
As we watched, a man in plain clothes but wearing a badge walked in. Behind him shuffled two young people, a boy and a girl. The boy looked a bit rough, but his clothes showed he came from a family with the means to buy him whatever he wanted. The girl was small and thin, with shoulder length blond hair. Her features were delicate, and she looked so scared, it was hard to guess her age.
They sat side by side next to the table. The young girl tried to take the boy's hand, but he pulled away. The hurt on her face was painful. The "officer" began to talk to them.
"You two are so pitiful. Stupid little rich kids. You think you can take Daddy's Mercedes, drive out to the woods, do a little coke, screw, and get home before curfew. Well, you're gonna get screwed all right. You know the penalties for possession? You, Hotshot, you're 18, you get to go to jail. The big guys are gonna love you there. And you, sweetie, you can kiss your cheerleading and your scholarships goodbye. It'll be hairstyling and nail school for you, assuming you can flip enough burgers to pay for it. You do realize we get to keep Daddy's car? He's gonna love you for that."
Her eyes got so big, I thought they would pop. "I never did any drugs," she cried, "I didn't even know he had anything with him. He didn't tell me. And I wasn't going to do anything with him! I've never done anything like that. It was only our second date. You've got to believe me!"
"The bitch is lying," the boy snorted. "It was her stuff. I never saw it before. I want to talk to a lawyer." The girl looked at him like he had slapped her. It was clear who was the culprit here.
"Shut the fuck up," the officer growled. You're both full of bullshit, and it doesn't matter anyway. The evidence is clear, and your intentions are irrelevant. You're both out of luck, so quit your bitching. Unless you want all the problems I just mentioned, you be quiet and let me think. I hate sending kids, even ones like you, where the really nasty druggies go. You'd never last long there, and I don't want that on my conscience. You stay here and do whatever the investigators tell you to do. I'll be back."
He left the room, slamming the door behind him. In a few seconds, he was in the room with us. While we watched, a spirited argument took place in the room. I didn't think it would be long before the two kids were at each other's throats, but someone banged hard on the door and they shut up. They sat on opposite sides of the table, glaring at each other.
"Well," a voice from the back of the room drawled. "I think they're ready. Who wants to do the honors?"
"How about the new guy," came a suggestion. I heard several men laugh lightly, but could sense a basic approval from the group.
"You take it pretty well," I heard directed at me. "You think you can dish it out?"
"If they're hungry enough, they'll eat what I have to offer," I answered.
Again, I sensed I'd pleased everyone with my response, so with a deep breath, I stood up and walked down the rows toward the door. I looked through the glass at the innocent little girl on the other side and wondered how far I'd go to please the Cult, or maybe simply to please myself.
As I prepared to enter the room, I was given a bag with some potentially useful items, as well as a few last words of advice. I opened the door, scowled at the two kids, and closed the door behind me.
"Damn, you two screwed up big time," I said. "We're going to have a hard time getting you out of this mess."
I saw both their faces light up with hope. "You got one chance. You cooperate with whatever I and the other officers ask you to do, and we'll see if there's any way to make this go away. You understand me?" They both nodded hopefully.
"I mean it," I added. "No shit and no backtalk. This won't all be pleasant, but it will be a hell of a lot more pleasant than the alternative." I could tell they were scared enough to cooperate, at least up to a point.