“Let me out of the damn car!” he barked in a booming, authoritative voice.
He got out and strode over to the front door of the sorority house. We watched the events unfold via the live feed from the GoPro. He knocked on the door, and one of the new sorority pledges opened it.
“Oh um, hi, Officer,” she said. “What can I do for you?”
“I'm looking for Tammy McRae and Tim Miller. Are they here?”
“Yeah, hang on, I'll get them,” the girl said.
Wade and I slid down in the back seat of the car so that we weren't visible. After a minute or so, Tim and Tammy came down the stairs, both wearing worried expressions on their faces. I couldn't help but snicker.
“Uh, good evening, Officer; is there a problem?” Tim asked.
“You bet there is, son,” Peter stated. “I’m going to need you and Miss McRae here to answer some questions regarding an assault and robbery.”
“I, uh, I don't know what the hell you're talking about, man!” Tim snapped, but there was fear written all over his face.
“I believe you do, son. Security cameras on the university campus captured everything. Using advanced bio-recognition technology, our digital imaging experts managed to zoom in and a witness positively identified you as the man who assaulted and robbed Wade Vinson earlier today. Remember those digital photos that were taken when you were a student at Florida State? Well, they keep those biometric records forever, son. You're screwed.
“And you, missy, the same technology was used to identify you from mall security cameras, where you were seen taking possession of the stolen goods from Mr. Carson here. You're both in some very big trouble.”
“I, uh, it can't be, no… This can't be happening, this can't be happening,” Tammy mumbled, in a state of shock.
Tim's face was also white with shock.
“You're looking at a minimum of four years in the slammer for assault and robbery, son, and you, missy, you're looking at two. However, if you cooperate and hand over the evidence now, things will be a lot easier.
“Give me the stolen wallet and phone, and I’ll personally testify that you cooperated and returned the stolen property. That should get you both leniency and possibly be let off with fines and community service.”
“We didn't do anything,” Tammy stated. “We didn't-”
“I don’t want to go to jail!” Tim snapped. “They've got biometric evidence! Just go get the damn phone and the wallet and give it to them! Hell, I’m getting it.” He hurried away before Tammy could stop him. She looked like a deer in headlights. She wasn’t sure what to say or do. She turned to Pete with tears welling up in her mascara-laden eyes.
“Listen, Officer, I'm so, so sorry. I don't know what came over us. Please, please, isn't there some way we could make this go away? I...I've always had a thing for a man in uniform, you know. God, you're looking really hot in that uniform. It really turns me on.”
I grimaced with disgust. “Jeez, she really will do just about anyone, won't she?” I murmured.
“Ma’am, now you’re just adding bribery to your list,” Pete stated. He was playing his part perfectly and hadn’t once slipped up and identified himself as any type of law enforcement.
Tim came back and handed Wade's wallet and phone to Pete. Pete held out a large ziploc bag for them. “Evidence goes in here,” he instructed.
Tim dropped the phone and wallet into the bag. “Good. I appreciate your cooperation. I’m sure someone from the police station will be in touch with you both soon. Keep a look out for it.”
Tammy just stared at him, still shocked. Tim was still trying to throw Tammy under the bus to save his own ass.
“It wasn’t my idea, sir. I’m truly sorry. I… I just got caught up in-”
“Just a little advice for you, son. The wrong woman can ruin your life. Keep that in mind,” he said as he glanced down at Tammy. “You two have a good evening.”
Wade and I high-fived each other as Peter turned and walked away. He got back into the car and drove away, Wade and me still crouched down in the back seat.
“Oh my God! That was awesome. Well done, Pete!” I said from the back. “You're such a great actor!”
Once we were a few blocks away, he pulled over. “Here you go,” he said, handing Wade the “evidence” bag. “I enjoyed that!” he remarked. “I'll have to try to look for more police officer parts in the future.”
“Thanks so much, man,” Wade said, shaking his hand. “You've saved our asses right here.”
“It was a pleasure to help. I've known Eryn here since she and Leena were little girls, and what that nasty bitch Tammy did to her just makes my blood boil. I'm happy I got to help you guys sort it out,” Pete added.