"I'm just trying to remind you to think twice before you
act. Just because you have support from the higher- ups doesn't mean you
can run amok." With a solemn look, Dahlia added, "Dustin, you must
realize that your worth has to be backed by ability. Currying favors with
powerful people can propel you to greater heights, but it won't last
unless you can prove you're a person of high caliber. So don't think
you're all high and mighty- consider this a lesson from me." Dustin
snickered upon hearing this. "How can you be sure that I'm currying
favors with the powerful?" "Is that not the case? If it weren't for Ms.
Harmon's reputation, would the Cobra have let you go so easily?" Dahlia
didn't hold back with her remark. "Whatever you say. I know that,
whatever I do, I'm nothing but a useless prick in your eyes," Dustin
sneered as he shook his head. First impressions truly were tough to
change. Even with the evidence in front of their eyes, some people would
simply refuse to believe it. They preferred scouring for excuses in an
attempt to consolidate their prejudices. "Oh, Dustin, don't be
disheartened. Keep your dignity and utilize your capabilities to carve
out your own career and legacy instead of being a lazy bum who leeches
off others," Dahlia urged in a deep voice. "So what if I'm a bum?
Catching easy fish is also a skill. It just means I work smart," Dustin
shrugged. "You…" Dahlia was starting to get annoyed. She had put sincere
effort into trying to talk sense into him, but her advice seemed to fall
on deaf ears. Not to mention the fact that he did not appear ashamed of
his behavior at all. It was apparent that there was no saving some people
from their stubbornness. As the two went back and forth, a few patrol
cars pulled up and blocked the intersection. The doors of the patrol cars
swung open, and several uniformed police officers stepped out and
approached them swiftly. "We're looking for Dustin Rhys," said one of the
police officers. "That's me." Dustin responded, "Is something wrong,
officer?" "We just received a report that you've stolen some valuable
objects. Please come with us!" shouted the officer. "Stolen? Officer,
there must be a misunderstanding." Dustin declared, squinting his eyes.
"Alright, may I ask what's inside this box?" "Panax root." "Then that
proves it! Come with us immediately for further investigation!" The
officer said little more as he handcuffed Dustin. "Officer! What exactly
is going on?" exclaimed Dahlia, as she rushed forward, the color drained
from her face. "Who are you?" asked the patrol officer. "I'm his friend,"
she replied. "Hmph, suspicious! You could be an
accomplice. Take her away as well!" In one swift movement, the officer
clicked a pair of handcuffs around Dahlia's wrists. This incident left
everyone at the scene stunned. "Officer, this has nothing to do with her.
It's all me," said Dustin with a frown. "He's right, he's right! This is
all Dustin's doing. It has nothing to do with my daughter! If you want to
arrest him, then do that! My daughter has done nothing wrong. She's
innocent!" pleaded Florence. "That's right, officer! My sister is
innocent. She's a kind soul!" James exclaimed, panicked. "We'll find out
if she's innocent once the investigation is over. Take her away!" barked
the police officer. With a single command from the squad leader, Dustin
and Dahlia were escorted into the police cars. ""Wait!" Matt stepped out
from the crowd and began, "I'm of the Laney family of Millsburg. Please
cut us some slack and let…" "Any more nonsense, and you'll all be coming
along!" snapped the officer. His cold glare silenced Matt instantly.
There was nothing anyone could do as they watched Dahlia leave with them.
"It's over! Goddamn good–for–nothing Dustin, getting my daughter in
trouble!" cried Florence as she stomped the ground in distress. 1 "I
don't give a damn if he digs his own grave, but to drag Dahlia with him?
What a bastard!" James scowled with resentment. "Now's not the time for
this. Quick, we need to think of a way to save Ms. Nicholson!" said Lyra.
"You're right! We have to find a way. I know a friend who works at the
police station. I'll give him a call at once!" "I know a relative who has
connections with some police officers of higher ranks. I'll find out if
he can offer us any help." Suddenly, the air was filled with the excited
chattering of everyone in the group, gathering assistance from anyone
they could think of.