“What?” I wasn’t expecting that question. I thought they were still stuck on the why-didn’t-you-do-your-job track, so it caught me off-guard.
He sighed. “Do you have a relationship with Daniel Javolo?”
“No, I don’t.” It was kind of true. I couldn’t call what we had a ‘relationship.’ It was a huge jumbled up mess, that’s what it was. Maybe it could become a relationship, but that would have to wait till later. “There is no way I could have a relationship with a scratchy, off frequency voice on an outdated Com system.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that...”
I cringed inwardly. That sounded like a threat buried in there somewhere.
Stating the obvious facts wasn’t working.
I was in trouble.
I remembered I’d quit my job. This was as good a time as any to tell these idiots. I took a deep breath. “I informed The Company on the day of the collapse that I wanted to resign my position.”
That stopped them for a few seconds. It was something they clearly weren’t expecting. But then, “What is company policy in regard to Navs and Diggers?”
I leaned forward, looking from one to the other. “Didn’t you hear me? I’ve quit!”
“That is neither here nor there,” Deunan informed me. “You were still employed by The Company at the time of the incident, and therefore are responsible for your actions, meaning that you are liable for any actions — or inactions — on your part.”
“So,” Kessik continued, “what is company policy when it comes to relationships between our Nav Operators and Diggers?”
I wanted to scream. “I know what they are!” I snapped. “But I told you already, there is no relationship! Just get out of here! I don’t have to answer any more questions. I told you I quit!”
“And I told you it doesn’t make any difference to this investigation,” Deunan said.
How could I get them to listen?
“Your response times were too slow. This was an emergency situation. Your Digger’s life was in your hands. He could have died because of your incompetence.”
That was a stab to the heart. Tears stung my eyes. I tried to calm down, but it didn’t help. “Get out! Leave me alone!”
Dr Rowen opened the door. “What’s going on in here?” she asked.
Relief flooded me. “They won’t leave,” I told her. “I can’t do this now and they won’t stop asking questions.”
“Now, gentlemen, you need to tone it down,” she told them.
What?
“Okay, Doc,” Deunan said.
He turned back to me and gave me that fake smile.
My ribs screamed as I turned to look at her. “Dr Rowen! What are you doing? I want them to leave!”
“They need to finish the interview,” she said calmly.
I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. What happened to telling me not to move around too much with the broken ribs?
“No — you don’t understand. I’m not feeling well. I can’t continue. Just get them out of here! Please!”
She said nothing.
Deunan continued on as if nothing had been said. “So, how long have you had this relationship with Daniel Javolo?”
“There is no relationship. We’re work partners. We’re not allowed to meet.”
My blood was about to boil. How could the doctor stand there and let them do this?
Then it hit me. Dr Rowen was employed by Katoa. She didn’t want to stop them from conducting their interview — it could affect her job here. She might lose her job or be transferred or something.
I headed for the door. “If you won’t leave, then I will.”
Both men grabbed me by the arms and marched me back to the bed, but I wouldn’t sit back down. They pushed on my arms so hard their fingers dug into my flesh, so I was forced to sit.
I kept struggling to get free. “Let go of me!”
“Be gentle now, boys,” Dr Rowen told them. Was that concern in her eyes? Probably not. It didn’t matter. She wasn’t going to stop them.
I yelled at them again. How could they do this to me?
I glared at Dr Rowen. A pathetic excuse for a doctor. What is your problem? Stand up to them! You’re supposed to help me here!
“Get out! Get out!” I screamed. The pain in my ribs was getting worse. I wished Allador hadn’t been interrupted.
One of the lights on the ceiling popped, and everyone flinched.
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