THERE’S A BANGING on the front door. So early on a Monday? Don’t they know I’m a student? I roll over and clamp the pillow to my head but the pounding doesn’t stop. I rub the sleep from my eyes and get up. Through the bubbled glass of the front door, I see dark shapes too big to be anyone I know. I edge the door open.

The police. Even though they’re not in uniform, I know it’s them. No necks, red faces. Slimy as hell.