"You know, humans can be quite strange," the man with handcuffs remarked, a wistful smile playing on his lips as he sat at the table.
"Excuse me, sir, did you say something?" an officer standing nearby asked, his brow furrowing in curiosity.
"Yes," the man replied, his tone tinged with amusement. "I was just thinking about why you're so eager to interrogate me. Even if I tell the truth, it seems no one will believe me. So, what's the point?"
The officer scratched his head, confused. "Sir?"
The man chuckled softly. "Well, you wouldn't understand. My dear detective hasn't even come to see me," he added with a devilish grin. "I'm starting to feel neglected."
As if on cue, the detective walked in. "Simon Harrison," she said, her voice laced with skepticism, "say something that actually relates to reality."
Simon leaned back, a sly smirk forming on his face. "Hmm, interesting. But will you believe me, Detective Miller? That's the real question."
"Try me," Jessica replied, her lips curling into a subtle smile of challenge.
"Alright," Simon said, his eyes glinting mischievously. "This happened a few years ago, when I was traveling through Europe. I met a man who claimed he could predict the future. He told me something that's stuck with me ever since."
Jessica raised an eyebrow. "And what was that?"
Simon leaned forward, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "He said, 'The truth is only as powerful as the person who believes it.'"
Jessica crossed her arms, unimpressed. "That's it? A fortune cookie philosophy?"
Simon shrugged. "You asked for something real. I gave it to you. Whether you believe it or not is up to you."
Jessica tilted her head, studying him. "You're good at dodging the point, aren't you?"
Simon's grin widened. "I prefer to think of it as... creative storytelling. Besides, isn't that what makes life interesting? The stories we tell ourselves?"
Jessica sighed, her tone dry. "You're avoiding the question. What really happened that brought you here?"
Simon's expression turned serious for a moment, but the glint in his eye never faded. "Let's just say I have a knack for being in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or maybe the right place at the right time, depending on how you look at it."
Jessica leaned in, her gaze sharp. "And how do *you* look at it?"
Simon leaned back again, his playful demeanor returning. "I look at it as an opportunity to meet fascinating people. Like you, Detective."
Jessica rolled her eyes, but a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Flattery won't get you out of this."
Simon's lips curled into a wry smile. "I wish I could continue this delightful conversation, but it seems my lawyer has arrived. Let's put this on hold for now, shall we?" He finished with a wink, his eyes twinkling with mischief.
Jessica's eyes narrowed. "How do you know he's here?"
Simon leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "Everyone has their secrets, Detective. And by the way, can I call you Jessi? 'Detective Miller' feels so formal."
"We're not that close," Jessica replied, her annoyance clear as she unlocked his handcuffs.
Simon stood, his tone suggestive. "We'll have plenty of time to change that. And trust me, I have no shortage of time for you."
As Simon stepped out of the interrogation room, he saw his lawyer waiting for him. He greeted him with a handshake. "Adam, how were your holidays in Los Angeles?"
Adam sighed. "They were going well until I had to cut them short because of a certain troublemaker."
Simon chuckled. "Guilty as charged, buddy. But the laws here are a bit harsh, don't you think? We don't have crimes like this back home."
Adam raised an eyebrow. "Well, that's the difference between a small town and a big city. Now, tell me, what have you done this time?"
Simon shrugged. "I could tell you, but I'm in no rush. Let's grab some drinks first."
Adam nodded. "Alright, but they're on your tab. And while we're at it, we can talk about that detective you seemed so interested in."
Simon feigned innocence. "Come on, I wasn't *that* interested. She's just... intriguing. Did you overhear our conversation?"
Adam grinned. "Well, everyone has their tricks, right? And you know how much I love a good drama."
Simon laughed. "Fair enough. Shall we go for those drinks?"
"Let's head to Anna's place," Adam suggested. "It's been a while, and I might run into her there."
Simon corrected him with a smirk. "It's been a *year*, you mean."
Adam chuckled. "What can I say? Time flies."
Simon glanced around. "By the way, did you bring the car?"
Adam tossed him the keys. "Yes, it's parked over there. But drive carefully—I just got you out of the police department."
Simon winked as they got into the car. "Pull me out again if you have to," he said, pushing down on the accelerator.