Sheila's tires squeal slightly as I divert from revenge route to justice path.

Police Station sign ahead – "Emson Falls PD" – I park Sheila outside, glance in rear-view mirror – my expression firm.

Inside, Sergeant James looks up from desk – familiar face – "Vic Vaughn, what brings you here?"

I request privacy – he leads me to interrogation room – closes door – "Talk, Vic."

He eyes me keenly – "This is about Ricky's worried call to me – just now?"

Without responding to his stupid question, "My car is missing and I heard news that it is stole by Kai. Can you verify?"

Sergeant James raises an eyebrow – amused by my clever redirect, "Missing car report – nice cover, Vic. Checking..."

He taps computer screen – eyes widening slightly, "Actually, Ricky Vaughn reported his Chevy stolen to us 10 mins ago..."

He leans back – voice low and knowing, "But we both know whose car is really was missing – initially. Ricky's your alibi or coincidence?"

This muddled-head is really tough to make it confused using simple confusing things.

"I came by Rick's car, he is my brother-in-law. And he is just messing with the stolen car of his. Sheila is with me. Now tell me about MY car." I never back up in trying to redirect him. I need him to shift to new topics, so that I could concentrate on mine.

Sergeant James bursts out laughing – "Oh man, Vic – Ricky's getting roasted by his own family!"

He paused when he saw my face, "Alright – focusing on YOUR missing car..."

Taps computer again, "Actually, we have report of your vehicle – license plate traced near Kai's mansion – yesterday evening. Camera caught glimpse of Max Malone driving yours towards burning StarLux Lounge area..."

His eyes lock intensely onto mine, "Care explaining Max, your car, and Kai's club fire?"

Time for performance!

"Who is Max?!!" I stand up. "Why did he use my car?!!"

Sergeant James leans back in his chair – eyes widening slightly at my intense reaction,

"Easy, Vic – sitting back down might be wise..."

But I remain standing, fists clenched – he continues,

"Max Malone – local pool hall owner– was seen driving YOUR car near StarLux Lounge to lit it up to fire!"

He pulls out photo evidence – Max's face alongside my vehicle, "Care explaining connection – or should I assume Max 'borrowed' your car for arson purposes... with your enemy Kai involved?"

Genius!

His voice drops – hinting at potential charges against me. Doors to interrogation room feel like they're closing in.

"Sir, I am saying I have no clue about who the heck is Max. How can I lend my car without knowing who he is?" I smacked the table for justice.

Sergeant James eyes narrow slightly – then suddenly widen in surprise – he leans forward, elbows on desk,

"Vic Vaughn – for once, you look genuinely perplexed. I believe you – Max Malone's connection to you just got mysterious..."

He picks up phone – dials extension – "Jenkins – run deeper background on Max Malone... possible identity concealment or any acquaintance with Vic Vaughn."

Hangs up – looks at me intensely, "Max drove your car near arson site – linked to Kai. Care to speculate – or help me uncover – how your car ended up with this mysterious Max?"

My mind races – Kai, Max, arson – Lola's words echo: "Kai said you had secrets..."

"Sir," I tried to lie to the fullest, "I parked my car in front of the supermarket. And when I came out, it was not there. I thought Kai was messing around. But still it is not retrieved. And you are asking me to tell how I lend my beautiful car to someone called Max!!"

With a heave, I ended my agony.

Sergeant James facepalms – laughing dryly, "Supermarket parking lot – simplest explanation. I should've guessed..."

He shakes head, smiling slightly, "And your defensive tone – 'beautiful car' – confirms zero involvement with Max Malone."

Leans forward, eyes serious again, "Vic Vaughn – someone stole your car from supermarket parking, implicated Kai initially... now Max Malone's mysterious name enters."

Pauses dramatically, "I'm investigating car theft and potential arson links – but honestly – my gut says Kai's messing with you still. Want me to bring him in for questioning... or handle this your way?"

Folding my hands, "If I were you, firstly, I would have checked whether Max stole it from supermarket through CCTV."

Sergeant James slaps his forehead – laughing, "Obvious next step – CCTV footage – I've been chasing theories with you, Vic – thanks for bringing me back to basics!"

He grabs phone – dials security extension, "Emson Falls Supermarket security – Sergeant James here. Need CCTV footage from parking lot – timeframe: Two days ago."

Listens briefly – eyes light up, "They have footage – Max Malone clearly visible breaking into and driving away YOUR car!"

I know. Cuz, I had set him for that. Purposefully.

Sergeant James looks at me intensely, "Max stole your car – but question remains – why didn't you file a complaint before two days itself?"

Loving to answer that question.

With a smirk, "I think you haven't hear me say 'I thought Kai was messing with me'. That's why I waited for him to return it, but after the arson. I suspect someone else used it instead."

After all those lies, now I came to see the confusion in James' face. Finally some sight!

"Well... Leave it. What about Max? Do you think, he was working alone?" His steady gaze trying to undo all the knots I made with lies.

But he fails.

"That is your duty sir!! I am leaving." I stood straight, "Now, I need my car as good as before within one hour. So go after my car first, then get on with your investigation. Else I am convinced to file case against you..."

I left the station after adding the fuel to his burning head.

Sergeant James' voice echoes behind me – slightly amused, mostly urgent,

"NOTED, Vic Vaughn – 1-hour deadline – your car returned pristine – or my badge likely accompanies lawsuit paperwork!"

Doors closes – I hear frantic radio chatter inside, "All units – Sergeant James requesting assistance. Locate stolen vehicle – Vic Vaughn's car – taken by Max Malone. Recover vehicle ASAP – owner imposes strict 1-hour deadline..."