Mr. Collins wasn’t all that good at holding an audience, because when the police officers burst through the door, he completely lost control of everything. “E-e-exc-c-use m-me Of-f-ficers!” His stammering started, but didn’t get the attention of the five that had just crashed math class.
“Mr. Collins?” The tall one demanded, staring down at the trembling figure of authority. “We’re here for Asheena Sterlings.”
I don’t suppose it says much to say that I was perhaps more surprised than the rest of the class, a collective gasp went up and Mr. Collins made a valiant attempt to regain his composure.”A-asheena Who?”
“Asheena Sterlings-Mr. Collins. Don’t toy with us, we have hard evidence and proof that she has been attending this school for quite some time. You may point her out of your own accord or else.”
“Own accord? Officer-you are terribly…Mistaken!” The last word was squeaked out as Mr. Tall Officer grabbed the shirt collar and hauled him up to eye level.
“Is that so? Well then, have a seat.” He dropped him and turned to face the class and artificial smile pasted on his face. “Would Asheena Sterlings care to make herself known?”
Nobody moved. I most certainly didn’t. My last name wasn’t Sterlings-at least not that I knew of. I’d taken on Aunt Hallie’s name-Denver.
“Ahem.” The shortest of the five stepped forward, something about him, (most likely the pomposity radiating from his entire self) set the class into snickers of laughter. “I BEG your pardon!” His booming voice silenced even the snorting laughter of the class chatterbox.
“Asheena-this is your last chance. You may rise or stay seated and miss this wonderful opportunity.”
“Wonderful opportunity?” Veronica Goodwin’s high-pitched voice brought a wince to the tall man.
“Yes. Ms. Asheena Sterlings has just inherited the Sterlings Business Emprire, Five million Cash in excess and a great deal of other assets and things of value that I am not permitted to mention nor discuss.”
Veronica’s eyes grew wide, making her look as if she were some hyper middle-school brat. “I’m Asheena.” She gasped out and was barely on her feet before Julie McNath stood up on her desk, waving her arms wildy.
“No you’re not! I am! Don’t pay any attention to her officer!”
Sandy Mathis was the next to claim the supposed identity until the shadowed officer in back moved to the front of his colleauges.
A piercing whistle split the air, allowing the silence to clatter to the floor. “Will all the young ladies please return to their proper seats and resume their positions? My name is Officer Kenneth Holt and I also have the authority to-” There was no need to finish the sentence, as the second stampede was to return to their seats, although somewhat grumpily. His gaze moved over the entire class, pausing on me, Dex, Veronica and then to his short companion with the big voice. “The photo, Renner.” Renner handed him a small square of white and he looked at it carefully for a moment then back at the class. “Will the REAL Asheena care to make herself known?”
This time, Dex reached back and poked me lightly with the eraser end of his pencil. I jumped slightly, enough to draw attention to myself. I avoided the gaze until Officer Holt was standing directly to my left.
The picture floated down onto my desk. Not entirely a bad shot. But also no later than this very morning. I opened my mouth to speak, finding my voice to be stuck and my throat suddenly very dry. I fumbled for the picture, clearing a dry throat. The sound was strange and scratchy to my own ears as I croaked out an excuse. “With all due respect-Sir-“
“Officer Holt” He corrected.
“All due respect-OFFICER HOLT-My name is Asheena-but my last name is not Sterlings. I don’t even know who they are.” Which was the truth, as I tended not to keep tabs on affairs that did not concern me in any way. “It’s Denver. I’m sorry, but you have the wrong…girl. I’m not the one you’re looking for.” I handed him the photo back, his face had lost all expression and I fought the urge to cringe under the intense scrutiny.
“How curious you should deny this…” He began. “Perhaps it would interest you to know that….”