Tainted Coffee

John's heart hammered against his ribs as he drove towards the station. Stevie's suspicions hung heavy in the air, each accusing glance replaying in his mind. Doubting his fabricated story, he knew he had to walk carefully with the Captain. He parked and entered the station, a knot of dread tightening in his gut.

The Captain's office was a sharp contrast to the warmth of his own home. Pure and efficient, it felt like a judge's chambers, ready to pronounce a verdict. John squared up his shoulders, trying to appear calm.

"Ah, Detective Miller," the Captain greeted, his voice deep. "Glad you could join us. Take a seat."

John sat into the chair, the worn leather creaking under his weight. The Captain leaned back in his chair, steepling his fingers.

"Your report from this morning's incident...interesting reading," the Captain said, his gaze never leaving John's face. "Some inconsistency."

John's mouth felt dry. "Inconsistency, sir?"

"The forensics report indicates significant disruptions at the scene. Movement of the body, tampering with evidence..." he continued, his voice low and ominous.

John swallowed hard. "Perhaps a struggle before the victim gives in, sir?"

The Captain raised an eyebrow. "No signs of struggle, Detective. Just...an unusual amount of activity after the fact." John felt a ball of sweat roll down his cheek. The Captain paused, then leaned forward.

"Detective, I know you've been through a rough time lately. We all have. But this...this is different. This crosses a line. I'm asking you straight, John, were you involved in anything unexpected at the scene?"

John met the Captain's gaze, a flicker of desperation in his eyes. "No, sir. Absolutely not. I stumbled upon the body and secured the scene until the team arrived."

The Captain stared at him for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, a slow sigh escaped his lips. "John, I've known you for a long time. But right now, I can't trust you. Consider yourself suspended until further investigation."

John's world tilted. "Suspended?" He rose from his chair, his voice tight. "You can't do this, sir! I'm telling you, I'm innocent."

The Captain's voice hardened. "Stand down, Detective. You'll be hearing from Internal Affairs."

John left the office feeling like a deflated balloon, his future hanging by a thread. He walked out into the busy city, the familiar streets now feeling alien and hostile. Stevie's accusing face, the Captain's suspicion, his own desperate lie - it all spun in his head, forming a web of doubt and danger. As he walked, he couldn't shake the feeling that the long dark night of his soul had just begun.