"Can you state your name again for the record, please?"
Steve knew that Mike was fuming about the events of the afternoon, hiding his misgivings beneath a thick layer of professionalism that was downright intimidating, especially when it came to their suspect.
With trained precision, he reached for the red button on their tape recorder, then stood back up, shoulders rigidly straight as he towered over the interview room table.
The thirty-something African American male looked back and forth between them, wagering his options when it came to dealing with a certain, visibly cantankerous lieutenant, before clearing his throat.
"Darrel Murphy.", he replied dryly, "And I still don't know why I am here."
Completely ignoring the remark, Mike glanced down subtly, making sure his partner's knee was safely supported on the nearby chair, then moved his attention back to their suspect.
"To start off with, your…actions caused for a police officer to get hurt and-"
"I didn't want for him to get hurt!", Murphy replied in undisguised frustration and pointed at Steve, "I was scared. What would you do if somebody comes running at you? Hm?"
"Did Inspector Keller identify himself as a police officer upon pursuit?"
"Yes…maybe. I don't know."
Running a hand across his sweaty face, the man rocked back and forth in his chair, visibly struggling with the situation.
"You never stopped to see what this was all about? Instead, you ran, caused damage to a neighboring grocery store as well as this...unfortunate accident."
"Hey, I did nothing wrong. I just wasn't going to deal with the cops is all."
"Well, running from police was a stupid move, Sunny.", Mike growled and raised his index finger, "A lot of bad things could have been avoided had you stayed where you were. Now, your file tells me that you grew up in Mississippi, is that correct?"
"Yes, Lieutenant. My family moved here when I was twelve.", the other man replied, although defiantly.
"And you have several misdemeanors for pick-pocketing and loitering."
"I was a kid, okay? We make mistakes. I paid my dues. Now, can you please tell me why I am here?"
From his chair in the far corner of the table, Steve could see Mike's eyes widen at the rude tone.
"I'll tell you why you are here.", Mike growled, his stern gaze unyielding, "I've got a witness out there saying you've been following him all day. And I want to know why. Is that your new side hustle? Intimidating people? You're graduating from the little stuff and now you're getting ready to go into the big times?"
Visibly perplexed, Murphy leaned farther back into his chair, both hands clasping the edge of the table with a death grip.
"I didn't…say what? I am not following people around. I was working all day and went about my business when that guy here started to chase me."
Cocking his chin at Steve, Murphy let out a shuddered breath, knowing that he was only implicating himself with his volatile temper.
Not waiting for Mike to respond, he raised his hands in a peace offering.
"If you are referring to the black man that is sitting out there, I have never seen that guy in my life, I swear to you. And I can prove that I was at work all day. You can call my employer. I work in the wharf district down by Pier 96. Been there since 4am this morning and just got out a few hours ago. I am just trying to pay my bills, you know?"
"Then what were you doing on Bryant Street?"
"I was going to visit my daughter. She lives with my ex-wife up on 5th Street. So, I'd taken a cab and was gonna grab something nice for her along the way when…when all this happened."
Silently cursing the promising lead that was beginning to turn cold, Steve looked up at his partner, seeing the same defeat in his eyes.
"We're going to verify your alibi, Mister Murphy. Every part of it.", Mike began, his voice an ounce less threatening, "As far as the matter one corner over is concerned, that will be a different issue we're going to have to address. I am sure there is a store owner who wants to have a stern word with you."
