They pause in the middle of the sidewalk to talk to one another again. One of them points in the direction of the shop and the other one nods. I’m glad it’s nighttime and long after I would have left the shop even if I put in extra hours. They could be coming to talk to me or question me or arrest me—whatever their plan is—in front of Rick and all the other guys if it was morning. And I don’t need more people poking around or questioning shit.

I wait in the living room until they’re out of sight.

A few seconds later, there’s a knock at the door.

Knock, knock, knock.

They don’t mention police or a warrant or anything. It’s quiet. Just a knock at the door. I make myself walk slowly and calmly just like they did. When I pull the door open, a fresh breeze comes in. Night air, cooled down from the day. The kind of air I rarely felt at that place.

“Evening, officers,” I say, my face mostly blank although I hope I look slightly shocked to see them. “Is there something I can help you with?” My voice is even as I glance down quickly. They each have their guns, their walkie talkies. Their uniforms are black, so it's the state not county.

My mind races and I get lightheaded so I hold on to the edge of the door.

The first one consults a notepad in his hand, then studies my face. “Evening. Are you Dean Quinell?”

“That’s me,” I say. I don’t say anything else, just let the silence hang between us.

The two officers exchange a quick glance.

“Could we come in and talk to you for a few minutes?” the second one asks. “We have a few questions we thought you might be able to help us with.”

My hand tightens even further. I know better than to let cops inside my house, but to kick them out would probably make it seem like I had something to hide. I go against my better judgment.

“Sure.” I open the door wider and step back into the entryway. “Come on in.”

“Thanks,” the first one says, and gives me a little nod.

They follow me into the living room. It’s a normal living room. I’m a normal person. They’re not going to find anything in here.