Collab with: [@The Savant]


[color=00a651][b][h2][center]THE RATMAN [/center] [/h2][/b][/color]

Jonathan turned around when he heard he was being addressed. The man’s eyes looked up at the two police officers who were speaking to him. A part of him hoped they wouldn’t notice him, but that didn’t seem to be the case. He could feel the anxiety and stress hitting him like he ran into a brick wall. 

[color=00a651]“Me? I mean, my name is Jonathan. What do you bobbies want to ask me?”.[/color] He said the word bobbie in a faux British accent. A part of him wondered if they were gonna ask him about the incident earlier. And if so, then he would need to tread lightly so he doesn’t get arrested. 

The male officer approached with confidence and a lack of caution, almost careless, “[color=white]We wanted to make sure we had the right guy,[/color]” he explained with a smile that wasn’t positive or negative — it was almost uncanny valley level of not looking that human while he was clearly human at the same time. “[color=white]Officer Whittle and I wanted to ask your questions earlier today. The incident that happened during the Duskhound invasion,[/color]” he continued to explain while standing there in front of Jonathan. 

“[color=white]There were two other men besides you and two girls all wrapped up in the events. Do you happen to know any of those people?[/color]” The officer started out with something small and not very pressing — Jonathan’s relationship with everyone involved. The people back at headquarters honestly didn’t think Jonathan knew any of the individuals but one could never be too sure. 

[color=00a651]“Who are you talking about? I don’t know any of those people.”[/color] Jonathan sounded quite anxious speaking to the police. It was true he didn’t know these people, but he was involved with them. [color=00a651]“The duskhounds tried coming into the city? I didn’t see or hear anything about that.”[/color] Jonathan’s eyes were on the police.  He wondered if they would arrest him for being an undesirable. 

The officer nodded his head, “[color=white]You might not know who they were perse, but you were interacting with them, Jonathan,[/color]” the male officer continued to speak and didn’t really let the woman do any of the work. “[color=white]Duskhounds invaded the city which is why there was so much commotion happening,[/color]” he explained. 

The female officer decided to interject, “[color=white]We were curious if you just knew anything about the situation you found yourself in. We understand that people can get wrapped up into things that they should have never been apart of but we just wanted to know if you remember anything, possibly important,[/color]” she smiled gently at Ratman. 


[color=00a651]“I might’ve interacted with these people. I’d like to be in the know the next time the Duskhounds come around.” [/color] Jonathan said with an annoyed look on his face. He felt he and others like him wouldn’t be notified next time. His eyes moved back to the female officer. They couldn’t see his face since his fedora was pointed low on his head. But they could see the bandages that were wrapped around his head. 


[color=00a651]“Well, I was walkin down the street making my way back home, and I ran into an injured and bloodied man. I tried to help him, but then all of a sudden, more people came by, with one of em pointing a gun at me. Some bloke named Roach, I think, was the guy’s name. He was the one pointing the gun at us. I tried protecting the three of em, but i could only scratch em.” [/color] Jonathan said as he shoved his hands into his pockets. 

Plenty of people wouldn’t find themselves notified of situations similar to the Duskhound ones — people like Jonathan specifically. “[color=white]The city tries its best to notify everyone,[/color]” that was a debatable comment. Both of the officers seemed to relax in some fashion when he spoke up about the situation. 

The female officer stepped closer, “[color=white]Yes, the one with the gun was named Roach. Would you happen to be free to testify this man, if we needed you to?[/color]” The woman asked almost too enthusiastically. 

“[color=white]Well…[/color]” the man said. “[color=white]You have a crime tagged over your name too. Attacking a contracted bounty hunter but we can possibly get that removed if you help us.[/color]” 

[color=00a651]“If you can get rid of the assault charge, then hell yeah I’ll testify.” [/color] Jonathan said, but a part of him was worried that he would be investigated and jailed for making drugs. Although he thought he could probably get away with it by saying it was self-defence. 

[color=00a651] “I hope this will teach cockroach not to point a gun at civilians.” [/color] He said, smiling at both the officers. They could see his yellowed teeth inside his mouth. 

The man smiled when Jonathan was willing to testify in exchange for the assault charge, “[color=white]Wonderful! I am glad we are on the same page,[/color]” the officer seemed cheerful about how easy it was. 

A chuckle came from the man while Jonathan called Roach — [i]cockroach[/i] — but he made no comment towards the nickname. “[color=white]You will receive a letter at your address on the day you can come testify against Roach and possibly the other man,[/color]” The officer extended a card. “[color=white]If you do not receive anything, please, contact me in three days,[/color]” he encouraged. 
Jonathan smiled, taking the card and holding it close to his face. [color=00a651] “Thank you sir.” [/color] He said, taking a moment to smell the card. It didn’t smell like anything special; it smelled like paper.  [color=00a651] “Hi, what if someone tries to intimidate me not to testify, what should I do?” [/color] He said, putting the card into the pocket of his slacks. The thought of Roach and his cronies might try to make sure he didn’t testify. Although he was sure he would need to go to court to address the assault. And the thought of testifying terrified him because he was sure O’Bannon would be mad if he found out. He should be safe as long as he doesn’t divulge his involvement in the drug business. 

The man seemed to get serious when Jonathan asked a question, “[color=white]Come right to a safety officer station and report them. If someone tries to intimidate you, we will make sure they see consequences, and that you are protected,[/color]” he explained sternly even though that emotion didn’t fit his face. 

“[color=white]We will see you in three days,[/color]” the man tipped his hat and the two officers began to leave. Jonathan would notice the officers name — [i]Timothy Acrage[/i] — and an address, email, and other contact information. 

[color=00a651] “Good bye Tim Tim and pretty lady. See you in three days.”[/color] He called back, waving to them before heading off back home.