"I do have strong feelings about that," Philip admitted."I don't believe criminals should be given second chances like that.They committed a crime, were sentenced for it, and, by allowing early release, we are negating the sentence.Was the jury wrong?The judge?The arresting officer?All of the people who worked to take a criminal off the street."
Alison sighed through her nose, trying to remain calm about something she was passionate about, something that defined her entire life.
"Why did the dog bite the child in your scenario?"Alison asked.
"Dogs are wild animals," Philip scoffed.
"No, not anymore," Alison said."We bred wolves and domesticated them into the dog breeds we see today.Wild dogs are either bred to be wild or shaped by their environment.Is it then the dog's fault for—"
"For giving in to their nature?"Philip asked.
"For doing what they were trained or conditioned to do?"Alison corrected."If someone is forced in some way into a life of crime, don't we have a duty to help them?To rehabilitate them?"
"No, we don't have any duty or responsibility to criminals," Philip said."They don't deserve any help from us."
"That sounds like a sad world to me," Alison said.
"All right," Detective Moore interrupted."I love a spirited debate, but I fear we’re getting too far off track here.Mr.Grayson, I need to ask you a few questions."
"What do you think I’ve done?"he challenged.
"I haven’t a clue what you’ve done," Moore said, shifting from side to side to get a little more comfortable."I’m working on an investigation with Dr.Payne, you were right about that, and I want to ask you a few questions, and then I can form an opinion."
"I was right," he said."This is an ambush."
"I want to know if you have access to the state correctional database," Moore asked, undeterred.
"Yes, I do, and I don't see what that has to do with anything," Philip replied.
"Thank you," Moore told him."Now, can you tell me where you were on the nights of the 9th and the 12th of this month?"
Philip scoffed."Two dates, which I presume lead to two crimes.Can you please tell me what I’m being accused of?"
"We’re not accusing you of anything," Alison said."We just need you to answer the questions."
"You love this, don't you?"Philip asked.
"I’m trying to do my job," Alison replied.
Philip glared at Alison, then turned back to Detective Moore, glaring a little less."The 9th and the 12th?"he asked.
"Please," Moore replied.
"I know exactly where I was on those nights, and that’s because I’m always here.I was at home both nights."
"You’re sure of that?"Moore asked.
"Of course," Philip replied."I don't appreciate being called a liar."
"Can Mary confirm that?"Alison asked.
"Oh, you area monster, aren’t you?"Philip snapped."Mary is sick, and you don't get to go in there hassling her.She has some good days, and as soon as she has one, I can bring her down to the station, and she will confirm that absolutely.I really don't know who you think I am, but I’m caring for my dying wife, and I have no time to be out committing any crimes you think I might be committing.Check with the guard at the gate or the security cameras.They’ll show that I never left the building.Now, I must ask you to leave.If you wish to formally accuse me and arrest me, then do that, but I don't want you in my house anymore."
"That’s all we need to know for now," Moore said."We don't need to bother you anymore, but I would like you to come to the station with your wife if she is able.If we can confirm your whereabouts through the security cameras or another means, I’ll call you personally, and we won't need any further communication.How does that sound?"
"As long as you’re leaving my house, I don't care," Philip said.
Alison looked at Philip.With any other colleague, she might have told them that it was nice seeing them again, but that wasn’t the case with Philip.She didn't like how he had changed, and that made it hard to feel sorry for him.Instead of saying goodbye to him, she gave a tight smile as she passed.
