The soccer mom had lost all ability to speak.

"What is going on...?" Cosima asked, blinking rapidly. Alison could see her brain do a reboot and her eyes darted to Beth, who sat frozen in the chair. The detective's brain clearly did a reboot as well.

"Listen here, Nerdhaus," Beth told her with a sigh. She closed her eyes before continuing. "Might as well be honest... I can't see a point in lying or a way out through lying..."

Alison played with her own hair, preparing herself for the inevitable embarrassment to come. She saw Cosima brace herself for the worst news and found it appropriate for the information she'd be receiving.

"Ali—Alison wanted to know how to take down a bad guy—she thinks someone's been stalkin' her and whatnot. So I told her how to and then I told her the best way to cuff someone to something so they couldn't move or escape. I could teach you too, if you're interested—basic self-defense, ya know?" Beth told her with believable sincerity. She looked at her, feigning anguish. "But I was stupid and I let her handcuff me to this chair here—and now she can't uncuff me. So I'm stuck. And that is really freakin' embarrassing—imagine that, a detective subdued by her own cuffs! Think you could help me out?"

"I don't know..." Cosima replied, still staring at the two of them. She smirked. "You did call me 'Nerdhaus.' I ought to make you stay there, if you ask me. Think about what you've done."

"Cosima Niehaus, if you don't fucking help me I'll—"

"You'll what?" Cosima asked with a bantering tone. "You can't do shit tied up like that. Admit it. The student became the teacher."

"Oh shut up and come help me," Beth commanded frustratedly. Cosima smiled angelically and shook her head. Beth gave her the death stare and it was only then when she got up to help the cop.

"Wow, Beth. Wow. I'm no cop, but..." Cosima trailed off as she unlocked the cuffs with ease. "If I can do this and you can't, I should be your next replacement."

"Fuck you," Beth muttered, but Cosima knew she was only kidding.

"There," Cosima stated as she took the cuffs off. She dangled them in front of Beth using her index and thumb. "You sure you can handle these, detective?"

"Yes," Beth snapped, snatching them away from her. Cosima chuckled and went back to the couch.

...

DOES THIS RAISE ANY RED FLAGS WITH THE PHD STUDENT? SEE CH. 5

IS EVERYTHING A-OKAY? SEE CH. 9

...