The_Passenger

'Can't I just drive you to a police station?' Jim replied.\n\nSam had to quickly change the subject. There was no way Jim could understand her problem. The police wouldn't do any good.\n\nBut before she could act, Jim continued.\n\n'I wanted to call them you see, but I left my cell phone ... at work.'\n\nIf he wasn't driving to work, then where the hell //was// he going?\n\n<<choice "sam_jimlostjob" "Where are you going to?">>\n\n<<choice "sam_jimlostjob" "Are you...going home?">>\n

'Are you hiding something?' Chief Francis asked.\n\n'No.' Jim said firmly.\n\n'Jim, I'm gonna need you to step out of the car.'\n\n<<choice "jim_samint" "'Ain't gonna happen.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_almost" "'What you're doing is against the law; back off, or I'm going to call my lawyer.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_samint" "'Wait, there's something I need to tell you.'">>

Everything became quiet.\n\nJim mustered up all the courage he could find.\n\n'My son died, and everyone blamed me ... maybe they were right ... I don't know. \n\nI lost my wife, my job and, I don't know, maybe my life because of it.' \n\n'What did you say?' <<choice "sam_exitcar" "Sam">> replied. \n\nJim had been mumbling again.\n\n<<choice "jim_apologize" "'I'm sorry for saying that Sam.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_apologize" "'You sure you want to hear this?'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_samfuture" "'Nothing, never mind.'">>

'Hey...' Jim started.\n\nIt had been a while since he had spoken with children.\n\nThe boy glanced back at Jim, but quickly looked away through the window, refraining from making any personal contact.\n\nThis wasn't going anywhere unless Jim put in some extra effort. \n\n<<choice "origin1" "'What are you doing in my car?!'" >>\n\n<<choice "okay1" "'Everything all right?'" >>\n\n<<choice "name" "'So, what's your name?'" >>

'Sorry for that.' No, that sounded too casual. 'I mean, I should have been paying attention to the road I ... ah.' Where exactly was he going with this?\n\n'It's ... okay.' the boy replied slowly, turning his face towards Jim.\n\n<<choice "origin1" "'Care to explain yourself?'" >>\n\n<<choice "okay1" "'Are you all right?'" >>\n\n<<choice "name" "'Hey, what's your name?'" >>

'Jim? My dad...he...he's the chief of police.'\n\n//What//\n\nIt felt as though Jim's entire world was collapsing on top of him. The chief of police had interrogated Jim the day after he had lost his son.\n\n<<choice "jim_sampast" "'Great...'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_sampast" "'Is he the one you're running away from?'">>

'So, where do you want me to take you?' Jim asked.\n\nSam didn't know how to react to that. This wasn't part of the plan. It was all thanks to that stupid traffic jam. \n\nShe just wanted to be as far away from her parents as possible. Anything would do. \n\nJim was wearing a shirt and a tie, he was probably going to work, though that wasn't certain.\n\n<<choice "sam_gopolice" "'Any place but here.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_jimlostjob" "'Where are you going?'">>\n

Jim took her hand.\n\n'Don't worry, I'll be fine.' He said and smiled at her.\n\nThat was a first.\n\n'She's right, it's best if you get out now. The police will take good care of you.\n\n<<choice "sam_getout" "'Okay.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_getout" "'You're right.'">>

'What's the matter with him?' The officer responded.\n\n<<choice "jim_confather" "'My son isn't feeling well, I had to pick him up from school on my way to work.'" >>\n\n<<choice "jim_confather" "'My little boy has a headache, I'm driving him to the doctor.'" >>\n\n<<choice "jim_samcon" "'Look, there's something I have to tell you.'">>

And Francis kept on going.\n\n'Too bad your wife didn't believe you Jim.' He chuckled. \n'And what's this?' He pointed at the car. 'You're driving the car my wife reported to have seen driving away with my daughter. Looking to make another victim, Jim?'\n\nDaughter ... Sam was a girl?\n\n<<choice "jim_dadscold" "'You're looking for your own daughter, right?'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_warningfather2" "'No.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_warningfather2" "Ignore him.">>

While driving, Jim tried his best to imagine how on earth a child had ended up in his car.\n\nWas he even driving the right car? Was this his Peugeot? Jim recalled his colleague informing him on how remote car keys worked.\n\nBoth the car and the key shared an identification code. However, there were only that many available codes.\nSo manufacturers made sure that keys and cars were distributed evenly across the world.\n\nIt was possible, although highly unlikely, that Jim had entered the same-model car with the same id-code as his key. \n\nJim checked the seat next to him; it still had a coffee stain from 2 weeks ago. At least he could throw //that// theory out of the window.\n\nThat said, it was an odd car for Jim to own.\n\nA station wagon - it suggested the notion of a family waiting for him at home. And when people would confront him with that assumption Jim would quickly change the subject. It was also a Peugeot, a French car, a gift from... his former father-in-law...\n\nHe realized he hadn't been paying attention to the road. \n\n50 meters ahead, a line of cars had started forming, reaching out all the way as far as he could see into the horizon.\n\nAs he hit the brakes, Jim heard a loud thud coming from the back - the kid hadn't been wearing a safety belt.\n\n<<choice "wakeup2" "'-Oh Christ-'" >>\n\n<<choice "wakeup2" "'-Shit-'" >>\n\n<<choice "wakeup2" "'-Fuck-'" >>

<<choice "jim_samfuture" "Jim" >> turned around. He looked her in the eyes, and then pointed his eyes at the transformer in her hands. He bit his lips. She gave him the toy.\n\n'Andrew...my son...he...he's not with us anymore.' He said, having a good look at the toy. 'Here.' He gave the transformer back to her.\n\n<<choice "sam_exitcar" "'Remain silent.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_jimokay" "'Sorry for bringing it up.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_jimokay" "'I'm sorry. Are you okay?'">>

'Do - do you ... have a family?' Sam asked.\n\nJim hated that question. But there was no way <<choice "sam_toy" "Sam" >> could have known. \n\n<<choice "jim_toy" "'No, I'm not that type of person.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_toy" "'Why do you ask?'">>

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "track2.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "begin scene.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nJim didn't respond.\n\nSam continued scanning the car for anything interesting. It was only then that she noticed something sticking out from under the seat in front of her.\n\nShe checked to see if Jim wasn't paying any attention, and grabbed what looked like a piece of plastic from under the car seat.\n\nShe recognized the toy, it was a transformer, all mangled up. \n\n<<choice "sam_jimno" "'Do you have any kids?'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_myson" "'Who does this belong to?'">>

'Sam, you can get out of the car. Don't worry, we //won't// hurt you.' Marta said to her.\n\n'It's okay.' Jim added.\n\n<<choice "sam_bestgo" "'But I don't want to go yet.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_getout" "'Okay.' - Get out -">>\n\n<<choice "sam_getout" "'Thanks for helping me Jim.' - Get out. -">>\n\n\n

'S-Sorry.' Sam said.\n\n'Y-Your son, he...ah-' Sam couldn't finish the sentence.\n\n<<choice "jim_past" "'-died.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_past" "'-isn't with us anymore.'">>

'Well ... I lost my job today, so ... I, ah ... I'm going home.' \n\n'Oh, so - ' But before Sam could reply, Jim interrupted.\n\n'No, look, it's my fault ... I ...' He sighed. 'Look, it doesn't matter, I shouldn't be mentioning this to you.\n\n<<choice "jim_toy" "Jim">> was scratching his elbows. Was he getting nervous?\n\n<<choice "sam_jimaskparents" "'Sorry.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_jimaskparents" "'It's okay, I won't tell.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_jimavoidfamily" "'Do you have a family?'">>

'Not any - I mean, no, I don't. I ...' \n\nWas Jim starting to get nervous? Sam didn't really understand what was going on with him.\n\n<<choice "sam_jimaskparents" "...">>

Chief Francis continued.\n\n'Too bad your wife didn't believe you, Jim.' He chuckled. 'And what's this? You're driving the car my wife reported to have seen driving away with my daughter. Looking to make another victim, Jim?'\n\n'I ... but ... you can't.' Jim, the driver, was panicking. Sam had hidden herself in the back of the car. It would only take one good look for Francis to spot her.\n\n<<choice "cas_problem2" "Wait.">>\n\n<<choice "cas_problem2" "'This isn't your guy chief.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_dismiss2" "[Intervene] 'Chief, I'm gonna have to ask you to step away from the car, NOW.'">>

<<set $trust1 = 2 >>\nThe boy didn't seem to respond at first.\n\nAnd just as Jim wanted to ask something else he got a reply.\n\n'<<choice "sam" "S-Sam.">>' the boy said softly.

'Are you hiding something Jim?' The chief asked in that special calm tone he used during interrogations. \n\n'N - no.' Jim was whimpering.\n\n'Jim, I'm gonna need you to step out of the car.'\n\nThis wasn't going to end well.\n\n<<choice "cas_samgun" "'Jim, just calm down. Everything's going to be fine.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_samgun" "'Okay chief, now let me handle it.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_samgun" "Wait.">>

'My dad ... he ... hurts me when I do bad things.'\n\nIt was all coming together.\n\n'And he's standing there, outside, checking cars. He's trying to find //me//.'\n\n//Dear lord...//\n\n'Jim ... what should I do?'\n\n<<choice "jim_nohide" "'Just stay where you are.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_yeshide" "'Hide.'">>

The officer was silent for a second. Her brow lowered.\n \n'Mister, I believe your //daughter// is in a little trouble.' she told him.\n\nJim wasn't quite sure what to make of that sentence.\n\n'Marta, we haven't got all day! What's going on around there?' A man shouted at the officer checking Jim's car.\n\nIt was Sam's father, the chief of police and the one without the uniform, and he was approaching the car. \n\n'Just let me handle this Francis!' The officer attending Jim shouted back.\n\nBut Chief Francis didn't listen, and stormed towards their car, his eyes fixed on Jim. They had recognized each other.\n\n'<<choice "sam_problem1" "Sam">>, hide.' Jim whispered.\n\n'Wait, I know that man!' He yelled at Jim, as he approached his car.\n'You're the guy who lost his son! Yeah that's right, I remember your face!' \n'<<choice "cas_problem1" "Marta">>' he said, as he turned to the officer, putting little effort in lowering the tone of his voice. \n'I know this guy. There was a case against him. He's that father that went fishing with his son, after which his son drowned and his wife accused him of murder. It was pretty messed up, you remember?'\n\n<<choice "jim_warningfather" "'That's not what happened!'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_warningfather" "Don't say anything.">>\n\n

'I've had enough of this shit. Jim, get out of the car NOW.'\nAnd then Francis froze.\n\nMarta wasn't quite sure what was happening until she had a better look. The 'boy' in the car had a gun pointed at his father.\n\n'S-sam? G-Give me the gun.' Now Francis was whimpering.\n\n'No.' said Sam. 'I don't want you to hurt me again.'\n\n<<choice "cas_victory2" "'Sam, sweetie, just give us the gun, don't worry about your father.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_victory2" "'Calm down Sam, no one's gonna hurt you, I'll make sure of that.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_victory2" "'You don't want to be doing this Sam, just calm down.'">>

'Oh.' Sam replied with caution. 'Why?'\n\n<<choice "familyask" "'Nothing, just grown up stuff.'">>\n\n<<choice "familyask" "'[Lie] I was bored and wanted to do something new.'">>\n\n<<choice "collegues" "'I just...couldn't take it anymore.'">>\n\n

'...W-What?' Jim looked scared.\n\nSam took a deep breath. This wasn't going to be easy.\n\n'My dad...he....hurts me when I do bad things...'\n\n'S-Sam...'\n\n'Mom knows, but she's afraid of him too...'\n\nJim reached out to Sam and took hold of her hand.\n\n'You're going to be fine, I promise.' he said.\n\n<<choice "sam_jimpast2" "'Thanks.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_jimpast2" "'...'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_jimpast2" "'I'm scared.'">>\n\n

Jim looked away. 'Cause they'll think I'll have kidnapped you.'\n\nSam didn't understand. //She// was in trouble, not Jim.\n\n'Look, it doesn't matter. You already said you don't want to get caught by the cops. We need a plan.'\n\n<<choice "sam_policecheck" "'I understand.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_policecheck" "'What are we going to do?'">>

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "cop scene.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "ending.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nThe gun fell to the ground.\n\nHer hands were still shaking. She let out a deep breath. It felt as though she had been running for a long time and was exhausted. Tears started rolling down her cheeks. She didn't mind. People could see. Her Dad //should// see. See what he had done to her.\n\nMarta got between Sam and her dad.\n\n'Go home Francis.' She told him.\n\nHe looked at Marta as though he had seen a ghost and backed off. \n\nJim reached out to Sam and held her hand.\n\nHe looked her deep in the eyes. 'It's gonna be alright.'\n\nMarta and some other officers approached the car.\n\n<<choice "sam_martaask" "...">>

'I'm gonna need you to step out of the car mister.' said the officer.\n\n'Wait!' Sam shouted.\n\n'This isn't what it looks like ... I - I swear.' Jim quickly added.\n\nThe officer seemed to focus all her attention on Sam.\n\n'Sam, is that you!?'\n\n'I'm sorry Marta. I...I ran.' Sam replied.\n\nJim felt relieved seeing the two recognize each other. Maybe there was a way to solve this mess after all.\n\n<<choice "jim_confather" "'Look, I found this boy in the back of my car, I'll drive him some place safely, I swear, you have my word.'" >>

'Good morning mister. License and registration please?'\n\n'Here.' Jim said quickly.\n\nHer nametag read Lt. Marta Castillo\n\nAfter having given back his documents, the officer checked the car and saw Sam sleeping in the back. \n\n'Is that your...kid?' She asked with an uncertain tone.\n\n<<choice "jim_samcon" "'Yes, he is. He didn't get much sleep yesterday.'" >>\n\n<<choice "jim_copcon2" "'Yes, actually would you happen to have an aspirin for him?'" >>\n

Why?\n\n<<choice "fired" "'Because I got fired today.'">>\n\n<<choice "fired" "'Because I lost my job today.'">>\n\n<<choice "familyask" "'It doesn't matter.'">>

Chief Francis let out a deep breath.\n'You see that <<choice "jim_copcon" "peugeot">> over there, go check it. Now.'\n\n<<choice "cas_carcon" "Approach the car." >>\n\n<<choice "cas_scold" "Francis, just let me do my job okay?" >>

<<if $trust1 eq 2 >>\n<<else if $trust1 lte -1 >>\n'I ran away from home, okay?' The boy said quickly.\n\nJim felt the tension in his voice.\n\n'My name is <<choice "sam" "Sam.">>'\n<<else>>\n'Uh...' The boy responded. He clearly wasn't feeling comfortable telling this to Jim.\n<<set $trust1 = $trust1 - 1>>\n\n[['Everything okay?'|okay1]]\n\n[['So what's your name?'|name]]\n<<endif>>

Marta approached the car, a Peugeot, station wagon model.\nThe side window had already been lowered.\nIt was a man, Caucasian, late thirties. Suit and tie. Not bad looking. Looked a little tired. Spent a long night at the office? No wedding ring. Family car. Divorce? \n\n'Good morning mister. License and registration please?'\n'Here.' The man said quickly.\n\nName: Jim H. Anderson, Born: 01/28/1980, Eyes: Brown.\n\nMarta had another good look into his car and noticed a boy sleeping with a toy in his hand lying on the back seat.\n\n'Oh, that's my son. H-He's didn't get a lot of sleep.'\n\nWas he lying? She could clearly tell he was nervous. There was no agression in his voice, it was almost as if he felt guilty.\n\nMarta had another good look at the boy. He yawned. People who sleep don't yawn. She recognized those clothes. \n\n<<choice "cas_samcon" "'I'm gonna need you to step out of the car mister.'" >>\n\n<<choice "cas_conboss" "'Everything checks okay. Take good care of your daughter sir.'" >>

Jim let out a deep breath. 'It belonged to my son.' he said.\n\nSam felt guilty after asking this. It seemed the roles had completely turned around. She wasn't sure what to say now. Jim didn't seem angry, though it was hard to tell from the back of the car.\n\n<<choice "sam_jimpast" "'What happened to your son?'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_jimpast" "'Is your son okay?'">>

Sam saw her father standing along the road talking with other officers. She was in so much trouble.\n\n'That's my dad.' Sam pointed out.\n\n'The man without the uniform?'\n\n'Yes, that's him.'\n\nSam's father pointed at Jim's car, and the female police officer started approaching them. It was <<choice "cas_carcon" "Marta">>! Back when Sam's mother was sick, Officer Marta had brought Sam to school. Marta was someone she could trust.\n\n'Uh, Sam, we need to do something.' Jim said.\n\n<<choice "sam_jimcopfail" "- Pretend to be asleep and cover your face. -" >>\n\n<<choice "sam_copcon" "'I know her, let me talk with her.'" >>

Francis chuckled. It was as though he found Jim's resistance amusing.\n\n'Doing what, exactly?' He replied.\n\n<<choice "jim_samint" "'You're acting unprofessionally.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_almost2" "'You haven't shown your badge.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_samint" "'You're intimidating me.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_almost2" "'You're personally involved in the case.'">>

'Give me one good reason to, Lieutenant.'\n\n<<choice "cas_dismiss3" "'I checked the car, he's clean. If you keep this up, it's gonna backfire on you.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_samgun" "'Because you're out of line, this isn't how you treat people Francis.'">>

'And why is that?' Chief Francis snapped back.\n\n<<choice "cas_victory1" "'You're personally involved, if he gets a good lawyer, it'll be over for you and he'll walk away free.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_samgun" "'I already checked the car, there's no evidence.'">>

'Wait!' Sam shouted.\n\n'This isn't what it looks like ... I - I swear.' Jim quickly added.\n\nMarta focused all her attention to Sam.\n\n'Sam, is that you!?'\n\n'I'm sorry Marta. I...I ran.'\n\nMarta looked at both Jim and Sam.\n\n'Sam, be honest, do you trust this man?'\n\n\n<<choice "sam_confather" "'Yes.'" >>\n\n<<choice "sam_confather" "'I don't know.'" >>\n\n<<choice "sam_confather" "'Not really.'" >>

'It's okay.' Sam replied.\n\nSam and Jim had more in common than they knew.\n\n<<choice "jim_samfuture" "'Thanks.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_samfuture" "Remain silent.">>\n\n<<choice "jim_samfuture" "'You shouldn't have to deal with this stuff.'">>

<<set $trust1 = $trust1 + 1>>\nSam shook Jim's hand. Was that a smile Jim saw on Sam's face? It was hard to tell.\n\nMaybe, just maybe, he could show the world he was a good guy after all.\n\n'Are ... are you driving to work or ... or are you going home?' Sam asked.\n\n<<choice "gonehome1" "'I was planning on going to work today, but things didn't really work out.'">>\n\n<<choice "familyask2" "'I'm going home.'">>\n\n<<choice "fired" "'I lost my job today, so ... I'm going home.'">>\n\n\n

'Why?' asked Sam.\n\nWhat was he going to say? \n\nFor a long time things had been going downhill with him and his wife. \nAs the arguments got worse, the topic of divorce started being used more and more frequently. And in the end, their son was the only thing keeping them together.\n\nJim had gone fishing with his son one day, in the hopes of cheering things up. That day was to become the worst day in his life.\n\n<<choice "jim_past2" "'Nothing, nevermind.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_sonpast" "'I've spent some time in jail Sam.'">>

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<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "track1.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "track2.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nJim managed to hit the brakes just in time, as he saw miles of cars lined in front of him. More cars approached from behind. He was surrounded in traffic and moving at a snail's pace.\n\nJim slowly looked behind him and saw a child climbing back onto his backseat.\n\nIt was a boy, probably aged between 8 and 10, it was difficult for Jim to really see. \n\nThe boy was wearing an oversized dark-brown sweater, it covered most of his body. He had dark brown eyes and white paley skin. Strands of dark brown hair could be seen trying to escape from under the green beanie.\n\nA boy had hitched a ride with Jim, and now Jim had nearly harmed both of them in an accident. \n\nThe boy didn't feel like making eye contact with Jim and had his head turned away from him. It was that thing kids do when they're ashamed of something.\n\nIt was time to do something.\n\n<<choice "q2" "Apologize to the boy." >>\n\n<<choice "q1" "Ask the boy some questions." >>\n\n<<choice "phone" "Call the cops." >>\n\n<<choice "na" "Just focus on the road ahead." >>

'You're angry, I - I get it. Now back off and let the officer do her job.' Jim said. \n\nTelling an angry person they're angry only made them more angry. At least, that's how it had always worked with her dad.\n\n<<choice "sam_problem2" "-Wait.-">>\n\n<<choice "sam_gun" "-Intervene.-">>\n\n

'Then where do you want me to drop you off?' Jim asked again.\n\n<<choice "sam_policeask" "'Wherever you want.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_policeask" "'What about the hospital?'">>

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "begin scene.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "cop scene.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nJim had another good look at Sam, it was only then that he noticed it. Sam had bruises on his wrists.\n\nJim slowly started seeing the bigger picture.\n\n'...A-Are those cops!?' Sam shouted, pointing his eyes past Jim.\n\nJim turned around. The cops were checking all the cars coming through, that's what caused the traffic jam in the first place. He saw <<choice "cas_sampast" "officers">> approaching cars, talking with drivers and opening their trunks. They were looking for something.\n\n'They're looking for me.' <<choice "sam_jimpast2" "Sam">> said.\n\nNo, thought Jim, they were looking for him.\n\n<<choice "jim_police2" "'This is my fault.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_sonpast" "'Sam, there's something I have to tell you.'">>

'No, no they'll send me back, I don't want to go back, I can't!'\n\nJim had struck a chord. \n\n'Sorry, I - ' He wanted to say.\n\n'- No, please, I don't want to talk about it.' Sam quickly replied. \n\nSomething was up. Something serious.\n\n<<choice "jim_police" "'It's fine.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_police" "'Whatever.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_police" "'Sam, if you want me to help you, you're gonna have to give me more than that.'">>\n\n\n\n\n

'I've had enough of this shit. Jim, get out of the car NOW.'\nAnd then Francis froze.\n\nSam was pointing a gun at her dad.\n\n'S-sam?' Francis gasped. Now //he// was afraid of //her//. 'D - Drop the ... gun. Sam, drop the gun!' His voice took on a more familiar tone. He was trying to take back control of the situation.\n\n<<choice "sam_gunshoot" "-Pull the trigger.-">>\n\n<<choice "sam_victory2" "-Drop the gun-">>\n\n<<choice "sam_gunno" "'No.'">>

<<set $trust1 = 1>>\n<<loopsound "track1.wav">>\nIt was half past eight in the morning. The highway lane stretched out for miles ahead, clogged up in cars - drivers attempting to travel from their cozy suburbia to the overloaded city centers. A single car cruised along the empty lane going the opposite direction. Jim couldn't help but feel a little relieved at seeing all those other cars stuck in traffic.\n\nRed and blue flashing lights reflected off the road signs in front of him. The trip from work to home was a 30-minute drive. Suddenly, police cars rushed past him along the emergency lane. //Make that 60.//\n\nThe rain had made the road slippery, there had already been two accidents on his way //to// work. After what had happened at the office this morning, such delays would no longer bear any consequence.\n\nAnd after finally signing the contract with his lawyer last week, all that had happened at work this morning was of little importance to anyone but himself.\n\nSirens glared from the background.\n\nJim checked his rear view mirror, and caught a glimpse of himself: a pale and sunken face; blue eyes with dark sockets; and gray, messy hair.\n\nHe quickly adjusted the mirror-\n\n//'What the-'//\n\n-Only to witness someone, a kid by the looks of it, was sleeping on his back seat.\n\n<<choice "wakeup" "-Wake the kid up.-">>\n\n<<choice "sleep1" "-Keep driving.-">>\n

Marta approached the car again.\n\n'Sam, you can get out of the car. Don't worry, we //won't// hurt you.'\n\nJim could see other cops talking with Francis.\n\nSam quickly glanced at Jim. 'But I don't want to go yet.' she replied.\n\nJim didn't expect her to say that.\n\n<<choice "jim_end2_1" "'Hey, don't worry, I'll be fine.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_end2_1" "'Hey, don't worry, they'll take good care of you.'">>\n\n

Sam and Marta got out of the car.\n\n'Goodbye' she said. Then she and Marta turned around and walked away towards the police cars.\n\nIt was over.\n\nJim looked into his rear view mirror. The back seat was empty now. But he wasn't.

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "cop scene.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "ending.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nJim's heart was pounding, his blood filled with adrenaline. He had done it. He had scared Francis off.\n\nMarta was still standing next to his car.\n\n'Jim, mind if I enter your car?' She asked.\n\nJim hesitated.\n\n'Don't worry Jim. Whenever the chief was working late, I would pick up Sam from school. She and I know each other.\n\n<<choice "victory12" "'Sure, go ahead.'">>\n\n<<choice "victory12" "'Ehm, are you sure-'">>\n\n\n

'I'm not waiting for a lecture, just crank up the tempo here would ya?\nShit, when I find her, this gonna be the last time this ever happens, I'll be sure of it.'\n\n<<choice "cas_angry" "Looking at you now, I can see why she would run.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_checkcar" "How about you calm down first?">>\n\n<<choice "cas_checkcar" "What do you want me to do chief?">>

Hey there, I'm Nick Witsel and this is an Interactive Fiction I've written, titled: The Passenger.\n\n''The game is played best in full-screen!''\n\nControls are simple: just read the text and click the links at the bottom to make a decision.\n\n<<choice "intro" "Got it!">>\n\n

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "cop scene.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "ending.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nHe finally looked away.\n\n'Yeah, yeah, I get ya. Look, just make sure you do another check, okay!?' \n\n'No problem chief.' Marta replied. \n\n<<choice "sam_martaask" "Sam">> had run away from her father, that much was certain. <<choice "victory12" "Jim">> had helped her in that. He had probably been just as scared as Sam.\n\nShe approached the car.

'N - No, I don't have kids.' Jim said in strange tone.\n\n<<choice "sam_myson" "'Then who does this belong to?'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_myson" "'I found this in your car.'">>

'You telling me how to do //my// job?' Chief Francis snapped back.\n\n<<choice "jim_samint" "'I'm telling you to back off.'">>\n\n<<choice "victory1" "'Your career isn't gonna last if you go on like this.'">>\n\n<<choice "victory1" "'I'll only get out if your colleague tells me to.'">>\n\n

The man frowned and looked away from her.\n\n'Yeah ... I - I remember seeing some kids there. But why did you get in my car?' He replied, having turned himself around.\n\nSam was at a dilemma. She had sworn to trust no one. But the man seemed harmless.\n\n<<choice "sam_ranaway" "'I ran away from home.'" >>\n\n<<choice "sam_hide" "[Lie] 'I was playing hide and seek.'" >>

As Sam got out of the car Marta took her by the hand.\n\n'Take good care of yourself.' Jim said, still sitting in his car. He waved at her.\n\n<<choice "sam_end1" "'I will.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_end2" "- Run up to him and hug him. -">>\n\n<<choice "sam_end1" "- Wave back. -">>\n

'You telling //me// how to do //my// job!?' her dad snapped back.\n\n'You're not wearing your uniform //and// you're personally involved in this case. Those are at least two rules you're breaking right now. Add intimidation to that, and your career will be over.' Jim said.\n\n'What?' her dad gasped.\n\nSam couldn't believe what she was hearing. Her dad was always talking about his career, his career was very, very important to him.\n\nMarta intervened. 'Chief Francis, I'm gonna have to ask you to step away from the car, NOW.'\n\n'But -' \n\n'He's right, you're not even wearing your uniform, this is too personal! If he gets a good lawyer, your career will be over and he'll walk away free.' she responded.\n\n'But ... it's him ... I know it!'\n\n'I'll be sure to check the car sir, don't worry. Now go home.'\n\nIt became silent. Sam could hear footsteps walking away.\n\nHer heart was still racing with adrenaline. Was it over?\n\n<<choice "sam_victory1 1" "'...'">>\n\n\n\n\n

'Yeah, so?' Chief Francis snapped back.\n\n<<choice "jim_almost" "'What you're doing is against the law; back off, or I'm going to call my lawyer.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_warningfather2" "'You're angry, I get it, now back off and let the officer do her job.'">>

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'Marta, we haven't got all day! What's going on around there?' Sam's dad shouted at them.\n\nSam quickly ducked.\n\n'Just let me handle this, Francis!' Marta shouted back at her father.\n\nSam's dad didn't seem to listen. She could hear his footsteps getting closer and closer.\n\n'Wait, I know that man!' he yelled at Jim.\n'You're the guy who lost his son right? Yeah that's right, I remember your face. <<choice "cas_problem1" "Marta">>, this fellow's wife wanted a divorce, wasn't being a good husband and all that, so he goes up on a camping trip with his son, and next thing you know it, his son turns up dead.'\n\n'That's wasn't ... that's not how ... that's not what happened.' the driver said. Sam could feel the tension in <<choice "jim_warningfather" "Jim's">> voice.\n\nSam's dad always claimed to know everything about everyone. But what he didn't know, is that she had stolen something from his room. Something kids, especially girls, weren't allowed to use, let alone touch.\n\n<<choice "sam_problem1" "-Wait.-">>\n\n<<choice "sam_gun" "-Intervene.-">>

'Castillo, we haven't got all day. What's going on around there?' Chief Francis shouted.\n\nHe was approaching Jim's car.\n\n<<choice "sam_problem1" "Sam">> had already hidden herself.\n\n'Wait, I know that man!' He yelled at the driver.\n'You're <<choice "jim_warningfather" "Jim">>, the guy who lost his son right? Yeah that's right, I remember your face. Marta, this fellow's wife wanted a divorce, wasn't being a good husband and all that, so he goes up on a camping trip with his son, and next thing you know it, his son turns up dead.'\n\nMarta remembered all the times she had seen Francis go on like this in the interrogation room. He enjoyed it.\n\n'That's wasn't ... that's not how ... that's not what happened.' the driver said. Marta could feel the tension in his voice. Francis was going to win.\n\n<<choice "cas_problem1" "'Just let me handle this Francis.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_problem1" "'I checked his car, it's clean. Let it go sir.'">>

The man wasn't saying anything. Had he even believed her? This wasn't the way she had imagined things would've gone.\n\nWas she feeling remorse for running away? No. No one would've believed her anyway, running was the only way to stop the problems.\n\n<<choice "sam_jim" "'You can just drop me off.'" >>\n\n<<choice "sam_jim" "'Sorry for getting in your car.'" >>

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "track2.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "begin scene.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nSam seemed to hesitate. 'I found ... //this// in your car.' \n\nJim turned around. Sam was holding a small action figure. Jim recognized the figure. He remembered buying it in the toy store for the person it used to belong to.\n\n<<choice "jim_foundtoy" "'Where did you find that?'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_sonask" "'It belonged to my son.'">>

'Oh no, don't worry. //I// should be the one apologizing, not you. A boy your age shouldn't be hearing these things.'\n\nJim had no idea.\n\n<<choice "sam_exitcar" "'Thanks.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_exitcar" "'...'">>

'Why can't I just bring you to the police? I mean isn't that-\n\n<<choice "sam_police" "-No.">>\n\n<<choice "sam_police" "-No, please don't!">>\n\n<<choice "sam_police" "-I don't want to go the police.">>

'The work you're doing is worthless. My wife said it was a //Peugeot//. How hard can it be to find a French car like that in the Midwest!? \nOnce word comes out that the chief of police's own daughter hitched a ride with some pedophile creep, do you know how that would make me look?!' \n\n<<choice "cas_sampast" "Ignore him.">>\n\n<<choice "cas_sampast" "'I don't know, I'd be more concerned about my daughter.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_sampast" "'Sir, you need to calm down.'">>

Sam and Marta got out of the car.\n\n'Goodbye' she said. Then she and Marta turned around and walked away towards the police cars.\n\nIt was over.\n\nJim was still a little shaky after all that had happened.\n\nAfter taking a few good breaths he looked into his rear view mirror. The back seat was empty now. But he wasn't.

Sam opened the car door for Officer Marta.\n\nShe got in and sat next to Sam.\n\nSam took off her beanie. Long brown hair flowed out from under.\n\n'Sam, the three of us are gonna figure out a way to help you, okay?' Marta said, putting her arm around Sam.\n\n'Jim, I can't thank you enough for saving the girl. I'll make sure you won't get into any trouble for this.'\n\nSam turned back to Jim 'Thank you.' she said with a smile. That was a first. \n\n<<choice "jim_end1" "'Stay strong Sam, and good luck.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_end1" "'No problem.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_end1" "'And thanks for helping me.'">>\n\n \n\n

Before leaving work, Jim had been told to return his work phone. It had been the only phone Jim really used.\n\nHe regretted that.\n\n<<choice "q2" "Apologize to the boy." >>\n\n<<choice "q1" "Ask the boy some questions." >>\n\n<<choice "na" "Just focus on the road ahead." >>

'I don't want you to hurt me again.' she added.\n\nShe could feel her hands tremble.\n\n'Sam, sweetie, just give us the gun, don't worry about your father.' Marta said.\n\n'Calm down Sam, no one's gonna hurt you, I'll make sure of that.' Jim added.\n\nSam was shaking. She could feel her heart racing. What was she doing? She could see other police officers carefully approaching the car. Where was it gonna go from here? Now //she// was the criminal. \n\n<<choice "sam_victory2" "'Dad, I want you to leave, NOW.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_victory2" "'I want it to end.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_victory2" "'Just leave me alone!'">>

'Where should I hide?'\n\n<<choice "jim_policecheck" "'I'll think of something.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_policecheck" "'Wait, this is a bad idea.'">>

Ahead of him, near the end of the traffic jam, Jim could see <<choice "cas_boss" "police">> sirens.\nIt was difficult to make out what exactly was happening, he assumed it had something to do with an accident. But anyhow, Jim was relieved to see that the traffic jam was coming to an end.\n\n'So, what are you planning to do with me?' Sam asked Jim.\n\n\n<<choice "jim_samfamily" "'Shouldn't I bring you back to your family?'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_hatepolice" "'I'm going to bring you to the police, if that's okay.'">>

The gun made a clicking sound. It was empty. She had made sure of that when she left home.\n\nFrancis had gone pale. Her message had been clear.\n\nShe could feel her hands tremble.\n\n'Sam, sweetie, just give us the gun, don't worry about your father.' Marta said.\n\n'Calm down Sam, no one's gonna hurt you, I'll make sure of that.' Jim added.\n\nSam was shaking. She could feel her heart racing. What was she doing? She could see other police officers carefully approaching the car. Where was it gonna go from here? Now //she// was the criminal. \n\n<<choice "sam_victory2" "'Dad, I want you to leave us, NOW.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_victory2" "-Drop the gun.-">>\n\n<<choice "sam_victory2" "'Just leave me alone!'">>

Officers were currently chatting with the car in front of Jim.\n\n'That's my dad!' Sam pointed at two people arguing, a man and a woman. The woman was wearing a police uniform, the man wasn't.\n\nSam's father, the one without the uniform, pointed at Jim's car, and the <<choice "cas_carcon" "female police officer">> started approaching them.\n\n<<choice "jim_copcon" "'Okay, just pretend that you're sleeping.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_samcon" "'Sam, just stay where you are, we'll talk with to the cop together.'">>

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "cop scene.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "ending.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\n'It's a good thing your dad's so bad at actual police work.' Marta said to her. Sam raised her head and revealed herself to Marta.\n\n<<choice "sam_martaask" "'Thank you.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_martaask" "- Don't say anything. -">>\n\n\n\n\n\n

The chief got quiet and grinned. \n\nThat was it, there was no turning back now.\nMarta couldn't help but secretly enjoy pissing this guy off.\nHe was a monster, and she was the only one that could see it.\n\n'You think this is funny don't ya? You think it's funny when my report will explicitly mention your severe lack of cooperation in helping us find a kidnapped girl?\n\n<<choice "cas_checkcar" "[Sarcasm] Of course not sir.">>\n\n<<choice "cas_checkcar" "[Sarcasm] Sir, I wouldn't dream of it.">>\n\n<<choice "cas_checkcar" "[Lie] You're right, I was out of line.">>\n

'Under the seat.' Sam said softly.\n\nThere was no way Jim could back out now.\n\n<<choice "jim_sonask" "'It belonged to my son.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_sonask" "'Who do you think it belonged to?'">>\n

'Absolutely.' Jim replied.\n\nJim drove his car away.\n\nIt was over.\n\n\n\nThis was ending #7

Marta entered the car.\n\n'Drive.' She said to Jim.\n\nJim hesitated. 'Y-You sure?' \n\n'Now.'\n\n'Of course...no problem.'\n\n'Sam, your father won't find out, I promise.' \n\nMarta had met Sam on a few occasions, and she knew that Sam was smart enough to never get in a car with a bad person.'\n\n'Sam, the three of us are gonna figure out a way to help you. Okay?'\n\n'Thanks.' Sam replied with a smile.\n\n\nThis was ending #6\n\n\n\n\n

<<if $trust1 eq 2 >>\n'I...don't know.' Sam said slowly.\n\n<<choice "origin1" "'Sam, could you tell me how you got here?'" >>\n<<else if $trust1 lte -1 >>\n\n'I ran away from home, okay?' The boy said quickly.\n\nJim felt the tension in his voice.\n\n'My name is <<choice "sam" "Sam.">>'\n<<else>>\n'I'm fine.' the boy said quickly, avoiding eye contact.\n\n<<set $trust1 = $trust1 - 1>>\n\n[['Care to explain what happened?'|origin1]]\n\n[['So what's your name?'|name]]\n<<endif>>

'Goodbye.' She added.\n\nJim was smiling. So was she.\n\nIt was over. She was no longer alone.\n

Sam let go of Marta's hand and ran up to Jim.\n\n'Thank you.' she said as they hugged each other.\n\nShe turned back and walked away with Marta.\n\nIt was over. She was no longer alone.\n

After shaking hands Jim quickly turned around again and rested his arm over the chair next to him. \n\n<<choice "sam_go" "..." >>

Sam felt scared. She hoped he hadn't figured out yet that she wasn't a boy. The traffic jam wasn't part of the plan. And now she had just told a stranger her name. \n\n'Really?' the man responded. 'Sam was the name of my ... eh' - the man seemed to hesitate - 'dog!'\n\nSam wasn't quite sure what to make of that. At awkward moments it was best to simply smile and pretend you didn't know what was going on.\n\n'So Sam...' The man continued. 'Any chance you can tell me how you got here?'\n\n<<choice "sam_ranaway" "'I ... ran away.'" >>\n\n<<choice "sam_gas" "'It was at the gas station.'" >>

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "begin scene.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "cop scene.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nFor the past three hours Lieutenant Marta Castillo had been checking car after car for the missing girl. It wasn't a lieutenant's job to check people's vehicles for kidnapped children. \n'Why the fuck is this taking so long!?' the chief shouted at Castillo.\nHe shouted a lot, and at times it was difficult to know who he was directing his anger at.\n'We're doing like what, two cars every ten minutes? If the fucking kidnapper sees this traffic jam he's gonna laugh his ass off and turn around.'\n\n<<choice "cas_comment" "Ignore him.">>\n\n<<choice "cas_comment" "'Yeah I gotcha, we'll speed things up.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_comment" "'I understand you're upset about your daughter chief, but this ain't helping.'">>

It was silent.\n\nSam had a good look around Jim's car, to see if there was anything she could use to start a conversation.\n\n'Aren't your parents worried?' Jim said.\n\nMom probably was, but then again, she wasn't scared of mom. Mom would never hurt her.\n\nSam almost never spoke about her mom and dad, and when she did, she'd lie about them.\n\n<<choice "sam_toy" "Don't answer.">>\n\n<<choice "sam_toy" "[Lie] 'I don't know.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_toy" "[Lie] 'I don't have any parents.'">>\n

Jim quickly turned around back to Sam, he seemed very tense.\n\n'Why not?'\n\n<<choice "sam_jimpast2" "'I can't explain.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_dadpast" "'My dad is the chief of police.'">>

[img[passenger_small.png]]\n\n<<choice "first" "Continue">>

Lieutenant Marta had worked under Chief Francis' orders for three years. Three years of having to be put up with a sexist snob were slowly taking its toll on her.\n\n'I'm telling ya lieutenant, my daughter, <<choice "sam_policecheck" "Sam">>, she never listens to me.' The chief said.\n\n'Marta, you know I'm a man of discipline. How the hell did she get it into her head to step in a strange <<choice "jim_policecheck" "man's">> car?'\n\nAt times Marta wasn't even sure if Chief Francis knew what a dick he was.\n\n<<choice "cas_angry" "'Maybe she got sick and tired of your 'discipline'.'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_samcomplain" "'You laying the blame on your own daughter?'">>\n\n<<choice "cas_checkcar" "Ignore him.">>

'But what are we going to tell them?'\n\n<<choice "jim_policecheck" "'I don't know.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_policecheck" "'You'll pretend to be my son.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_policecheck" "'I'll think of something?'">>

The man sighed.\n\n'Look, it's fine.' he said. 'Don't worry. We're not going anywhere with this traffic jam surrounding us.'\n\nThis year Sam had turned twelve. She remembered her father telling her that because she was no longer a litte kid, she had to learn to take responsibility for her actions, that from now on her mistakes would have //real// concequences. Since then, Sam hadn't stopped feeling worried about everything she did.\n\nThe man turned around.\n\n'I'm <<choice "jim_goingto" "Jim">> by the way.' he said, reaching out his hand to her. He was trying his best to smile.\n\n<<choice "sam_shakehand" "Shake his hand." >>\n\n<<choice "sam_notshake" "Don't shake his hand." >>

'Good morning mister. License and registration please?'\n\n'Here.' Jim said quickly.\n\nAfter having given back his documents, the officer checked the car and saw Sam sleeping in the back.\n\n'Oh, that's my son. H-He's not feeling really well.\n\n'I'm gonna need you to step out of the car mister.'\n\n<<choice "sam_copcon" "'Wait!'" >>\n\n<<choice "sam_copcon" "'No!'" >>\n\n<<choice "sam_copcon" "'Marta, it's me!'" >>\n

'Yeah whatever. I need a drink...'\n\n<<choice "cas_carcon" "Approach the car." >>

And just as Jim said that, a fearful thought pierced through his mind. The police would never believe Jim, and with good reason; a reason which Jim hadn't revealed to Sam.\n\n'I don't want to go the police.' Sam said quickly. \n\nThank god, thought Jim. He felt so relieved after hearing Sam say that, that he failed to wonder //why// Sam wouldn't want to go the police.\n\n<<choice "jim_samfamily" "'What about your family?'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_police" "'No problem, I'll think of something else.'">>

Ahead of him, Jim saw the entire highway clogged up with cars.\n\n'That's a lot of cars.' Jim stated, quickly realizing it was an obvious fact which required no reminder.\n\nConversations weren't Jim's strongest skill.\n\nJim turned around to the boy and said:\n\n<<choice "origin1" "'So, what are you doing here?'" >>\n\n<<choice "okay1" "'Hey, are you all right?'" >>\n\n<<choice "name" "'So, what's your name?'" >>

Sam took a deep breath. 'Okay.' she nodded.\n\n'Don't worry Jim.' Marta said. 'She'll be taken good care of, and you won't have to worry about the police.'\n\nSam turned back to Jim 'Thank you.' she said with a smile. That was a first. \n\n<<choice "jim_end2final" "'Stay strong Sam, and good luck.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_end2final" "'No problem.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_end2final" "'And thanks for helping me.'">>

Jim looked away from Sam and took a deep breath.\n\n'My son, when he passed away.... My wife, the police, they thought I had...\nThey thought it was my fault. \nIt wasn't my fault ... and because they couldn't find enough evidence against me, they had to drop the charges. \nBut even then, they still, suspected me. It really hurts when the people close to you accuse you of doing such bad things.' \n\nJim turned around.\n\n'But when they find you in my car, it'll be over for me, do you understand?'\n\nSam was silent.\n\n<<choice "jim_past2" "'Are you sure you want to stay in my car?'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_past2" "'I'm sorry.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_past2" "Say Nothing">>

'Wait!' shouted a familiar voice from out the back of the car.\nIt was Sam, dressed up as a boy.\n\n'This isn't what it looks like ... I - I swear.' the driver spoke softly.\n\n'I'm sorry Marta. I ... I ran.' Sam continued.\n\n'Look, I found this boy in the back of my car, I'll drive her some place safely, I swear, you have my word.' The driver added.\n\nDuring her career, Marta had dealt with all sorts of pedophiles, murderers and psychopaths. The driver was clean, she saw it in his eyes.\n\nBut Sam, what was she going to do with her? If her father were to find out about this...\n\n<<choice "cas_conboss" "'Just stay here, I'll see what I can do.'" >>\n\n<<choice "cas_conboss" "'The both of you should leave, now.'" >>

"Hey - eh? - you!" Jim said.\n\nUsing his rear view mirror, Jim could see the kid moving in the back.\n\nIt was a boy, eight or ten year old? It was hard to make out, really.\n\nThe boy was wearing an oversized dark-brown sweater, it covered most of his body. He had dark brown eyes and white paley skin. Strands of dark brown hair could be seen trying to escape from under the green beanie.\n\nNow that he had woken the boy up, Jim had entered one of those moments where as a result of something so incomprehensible having happened Jim's mind would simply get stuck processing it.\n\nThe boy jerked back. 'Stop!' he shouted.\n\n<<choice "almostcrash" "- Hit the brakes! -">>

'Is ... your son ... okay?' Sam asked.\n\nNo, he wasn't, and Jim didn't like talking about that. \nMaybe it was finally time he did.\n\n<<choice "jim_sonask2" "'No.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_sonask2" "'I'm afraid he's not.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_past" "'He's not with us anymore.'">>

Jim looked away and withdrew his hand. Sam wasn't going to trust him just yet.\n\nJim turned around and crossed his arms.\n\n<<choice "sam_go" "'...'" >>

'My mom, she was at the shop, paying for the ... and I ... saw your car and...'\nSaying it out loud like that, she had a hard time believing she could ever do something so stupid. \n\nThe man wasn't saying anything. She assumed he was angry with her. This wasn't the way she had imagined things would've gone.\n\nWas she feeling remorse for running away? No. No one would've believed her anyway, running was the only way to stop the problems.\n\n<<choice "sam_jim" "'You can just drop me off.'" >>\n\n<<choice "sam_jim" "'I'm sorry for entering your car.'" >>

Jim and Sam were getting closer and closer to the police. It was clear now. They weren't just talking with the drivers, they were checking the cars.\n\n'Sam, when they find me with you, they're going to send me to jail, you get that?'\n\n<<choice "sam_policecheck" "'I understand.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_askpast" "'Why's that?'">>

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "cop scene.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "ending.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nThe gun fell on the ground.\n\nSam started to cry. Her hands were still shaking.\n\nMarta got between Sam and Francis. '\n\n'Go home Francis.' She told him.\n\nFrancis slowly backed off. Marta could see the confusion and fear in his eyes. It had finally gotten through to him. And just like that Francis turned around and walked away.\n\n<<choice "jim_end2" "Jim">> was still in his car. <<choice "sam_martaask" "Sam">> was still shaking.

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "begin scene.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "cop scene.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nJim didn't respond and looked away. He had a concerned look in his eyes. He turned around and looked at the road ahead of them.\n\nSam checked ahead of her too and noticed the sirens and police cars getting closer. <<choice "cas_sampast" "Cops">> were standing outside, talking with other car drivers. Her dad was looking for her.\n\nSam was scared.\n\n<<choice "jim_past2" "Jim">> was scratching his elbows again mumbling something. He seemed nervous, had he seen the cops too?\n\n<<choice "sam_police2" "'Please, don't go to the police!'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_dadpast" "'Jim, there is something I have to tell you.'">>

'You know, you're free to just get out of the car?'\n\nSam looked outside and noticed <<choice "cas_boss" "police">> sirens ahead of the traffic jam. She started feeling anxious. Could it be her father had already found out?\n\n<<choice "sam_dropoff" "'Don't worry, I'd rather stay inside.'">>\n\n<<choice "sam_dropoff" "'I don't have any place to go.'">>

'Are you going to your ... family?' Sam asked in a curious tone.\n\nJim hated that question. But there was no way <<choice "sam_toy" "Sam" >> could have known.\n\n<<choice "jim_toy" "'I don't have a family.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_toy" "'What makes you think I have a family?'">>

<<silently>>\n<<fadeoutsound "cop scene.wav">>\n<<fadeinsound "ending.wav">>\n<<endsilently>>\nThe gun fell on the ground.\n\nSam started to cry. Her hands were still shaking.\n\nMarta got between Sam and Francis. '\n\n'Go home Francis.' She told him.\n\nFrancis slowly backed off. Jim could see the confusion and fear in his eyes. It had finally gotten through to him. And just like that Francis turned around and walked away.\n\nSam was still in the car. She looked him in the eyes. 'Now what?' Her expression read.\n\n<<choice "jim_end2" "'You should go with the cops, they'll take care of you.'">>\n\n<<choice "jim_end2" "'What you did was brave.'">>

'I've had enough of this shit. Jim, get out of the car NOW.'\nAnd then Francis froze.\n\nJim wasn't quite sure what was happening until he had a better look. The 'boy' in the car had a gun pointed at his father.\n\n'S-sam? G-Give me the gun.' Now Francis was whimpering.\n\n'No.' said Sam. 'I don't want you to hurt me again.'\n\n<<choice "victory2" "'Sam, just give them the gun, don't worry about your father.'">>\n\n<<choice "victory2" "'Calm down Sam, no one's gonna hurt you, I'll make sure of that.'">>\n\n<<choice "victory2" "'You don't want to be doing this Sam, just calm down.'">>

And for less than a second, Jim saw a glimpse of fear on Francis' face. He was losing control of the situation.\n\n'You're hiding something from me.' Francis whispered.\n\nMarta, the other officer, intervened. 'He's right sir. Don't worry, I'll be sure to check his car. Now go home and I'll see to it that your daughter is found.'\n\nFrancis looked at Jim with an almost murderous gaze. \n\n'Fine.' Francis finally said. And he walked away.\n\n<<choice "victory1 1" "'...'">>

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'Are you hiding something Jim?'\n\n'No.' Jim said firmly.\n\n'Jim, I'm gonna need you to step out of the car.'\n\n'You're not wearing a badge. I'll only exit if the other officer tells me to.' Jim responded.\n\nSam's heart was pounding. Her dad used to become very angry whenever she disagreed with him. She didn't want Jim to undergo the same fate.\n\n<<choice "sam_victory1" "-Wait.-">>\n\n<<choice "sam_gun" "-Intervene.-">>\n

'Too bad your wife didn't believe you Jim.' He chuckled. \n'And what's this? You're driving the car my wife reported to have seen driving away with my daughter. Looking to make another victim, Jim?'\n\n'I ... but ... you can't.' Jim was panicking.\n\n'You're out of line Chief!' Marta yelled to no effect.\n\nSam checked her pocket. It wasn't loaded, she had been sure of that. But loaded or not, it would do the job. He would leave her alone, at least for now.\n\n<<choice "sam_problem1_2" "-Wait.-">>\n\n<<choice "sam_gun" "-Intervene.-">>

There was a silence.\n\nCars were still surrounding them.\n\nNow it was Jim who wasn't making eye contact.\n\n'Sorry.' Sam finally replied.\n\nNobody at Jim's work really understood what he had been going through.\nThey felt sorry for him, and Jim couldn't stand that.\nIt was starting to hurt, so he quit his job.\n\n<<choice "familyask" "Don't worry about it.">>\n\n<<choice "familyask" "No, I'm sorry. Don't worry about it.">>