Leroy quickly added, “Yeah, he stole their stockings too! I’ve seen it more than once! And… his computer’s full of blue films and their sites!”
Their accusations caused an uproar among the onlookers. My coworkers whispered to each other:
“You never really know someone, huh? He always seemed like a decent man.”
“I’ve noticed him staring at our female-coworkers’ legs.”
“Guess the alcohol brought out his true colors—a total pervert.”
“It breaks my heart to see Mr. Crowe turned his own son in. Must be tough.”
“He makes our working-environment not save for women. Put him in jail.”
Their voices weren’t loud, but every word hit my ears clearly.
When the police came forward, just as the handcuffs were about to close around my wrists, I spoke calmly.
“Officer, before you take me away, I’d like to make a phone call.”
“Who are you gonna call?” My father sneered, crossing his arms. “Go ahead. Not like it’s gonna do you, anyway. Not even your grandpa can save you this time.”
Leroy laughed beside him, his tone mocking.
“Just admit it, Leo. They’d probably cut your prison-time if you admit it.”
I ignored them.
“By procedure, I have the right to contact a family member or lawyer before any measures are taken,” I said.
The officer hesitated for a moment, then nodded.
“Okay.”
Under everyone’s watchful eyes, I took out a crumpled piece of paper—one of Grandpa’s cigarette wrappers.
When my father saw the number written on it, his pupils shrank sharply.
