I assumed there was no change in the readout of the detector, but I kept my gaze locked with Declan. I wasn’t sure what the cameras would make of that, but he was breathing with me. Keeping me calm. If he hadn’t been in the room, I hoped that I would be this calm, but that was probably a bigger stretch than I wanted to admit. If I was honest with myself, I would’ve been freaking out without him here. I couldn’t look away.

I don’t know if he knew what I was thinking, but he gave me a small smile and a nod. As if telling me that I was welcome. That he had my back. That I wasn’t alone in this.

“Have you ever knowingly fought against SpaceTech’s authority, rule, or laws?

“No.” True.

“Do you support the rulings of SpaceTech, its officers, leaders, judges, and laws?”

“Yes.” Lie.

“Have you now or ever come into any contact with any of SpaceTech’s enemies, including but not limited to the Aunare?”

“No.” Lie.

“Are you absolutely certain?”

I swallowed. Eight in. Four out. Six in. Three out. “Yes.” Bigtime lie.

“So this was just a random coincidence? That you attacked Jason Murtagh? Son of the CEO of SpaceTech?”

“Yes.” At least as far as I knew when I was in that diner.

“And why did you attack him so violently?”

“That’s not a yes or no question.”

Ahiga slapped his hand on the table. “Don’t be a smart ass with me. Answer the question.”

I shivered at the coldness in his voice. “Because his hand was in my underwear.”

“And I’m to believe it wasn’t wanted?”

“Yes.” True. So fucking true…

“You moved fast. Fought hard. Your blood test showed no Aunare blood, but the video shows otherwise.”

Also not a yes or no question. Eight in. Four out. Six in. Three out. Three in. “Jorge has been training me with his Crew since I was a little kid. I teach martial arts classes after my shifts at the diner. I wouldn’t be a very good instructor if I couldn’t hold my own when being attacked.” I leaned toward Ahiga. “Because make no mistake—your beloved Murtagh sexually assaulted me and deserves to be the one in orange. I’m not sorry for breaking his fa—”

Jim slapped his hand on the table. “That’s enough. Don’t answer any more questions, Ms. Martinez. You’ve asked her all the ones on my list, Specialist Ahiga. If you want to do any more interrogating, you’re going to have to do so at a later time. I now need the room to talk to my client. I will assume that you will adhere to protocol and shut down surveillance of this room.”

Ahiga twisted in his chair to look at Declan. “Do you have any other questions for her?”