Freedom For The Innocent

The investigators were relentless with their questions but considering the lives that were counting on her, Dawn refused to even consider answering them so she continued staring into space while frantically thinking of ways in which she might come out of this without ending up in jail.

The lead investigator on the case tried again, “Ms…,” he hesitated, “Dawn, we’re not at all against what you may or may not have done, but there are worse things we have to investigate so we really need your cooperation.”

When there was no response, his partner repeated what seemed to be his mantra, “We’re here to help, your cooperation helps us to help you.”

Dawn rolled her eyes and resumed staring into space. There was no way she would give them any information. Any slip of the tongue could result in catastrophe. All she had to do was keep them off the scent long enough for everyone to be safe.

Suddenly, the door opened and the last person Dawn expected walked in. “Trevor?” Dawn queried, “What are you doing here?”

Trevor, looking guilty, flashed a badge and Dawn visibly shrunk in her chair as she absorbed the betrayal. “I’m so sorry. Please let me explain,” he exclaimed as she curled into a ball with her arms wrapped around her middle.

Dawn put her head between her knees because she was afraid she might actually pass out. The original investigators had the good sense to look uncomfortable with the situation. After a few minutes of hugging her knees, Dawn gathered herself and asked, “Was anything real? I don’t even know how to process this. I think I need to get drunk.”

Trevor continued looking guilty but proceeded to place the case files he’d brought with him on the table and instead of taking a seat, he leaned against the wall with his arms crossed defensively. He cleared his throat twice before responding to her question. “I did initially go out with you to get information about your employers but I ended up realizing my judgement was compromised which is why I haven’t called you back.”

Dawn shook her head in disbelief. At least that explained why he’d ghosted her but she didn’t understand what he had to do with this.

Trevor, understanding her confusion, began to explain. “I’m sure you’re aware that your employer was conducting inhumane experiments on animals.”

Dawn glared at him. Considering they’d discussed exactly that on their first date, she was well aware.

Trevor winced and continued. “The fact is that there have been numerous complaints about your employer but we’ve been unable to obtain evidence due to the confidentiality clause in all of the employees’ contracts. We were hoping to get someone to say something we could actually use to shut them down. Unfortunately, while you and others we approached expressed their distaste and displeasure about the events, no one discussed details and we were unable to obtain any evidence.”

Dawn looked at him cautiously, “Then why am I here now? You know I can’t say anything.”

Trevor hesitated a moment then looked her straight in the eyes when he responded, “We’re aware there’s been a break out. As I understand it, ALL of the animals have ‘disappeared’ from the laboratory.”

Dawn looked straight back at him and said blandly, “And? Everyone knows this. It’s been on the news. What does it have to do with me?”

Trevor looked like he had a bad taste in his mouth. He took a deep breath and told her, “We suspect that you and possibly other employees were responsible for the animals’ release.”

“Me?” Dawn asked innocently. “What would make you think I had something to do with it?”

Trevor looked uncomfortable. “I may have installed a tracking app on your phone and know that you were there last night when all the animals disappeared. I also know that you were caught by security leaving one of the offices but that you had no animals with you and insisted that the animals were already gone when you got there. I suspect that you had accomplices and that you allowed yourself to get caught so your co-conspirators could get away with the animals.”

Dawn, outraged, found herself sputtering, “What would make you think I would ever do such a thing? I’ve always been a law abiding citizen so to suggest that I would do such a thing is patently ridiculous.” Dawn turned her chair so she was facing the wall instead of him and proceeded to ignore him.

Trevor smiled at her profile and told her, “I suspect you, not because I don’t think you’re a law abiding citizen but because as I got to know you I realized that you don’t just abide by rules or laws, you do what you think is right. And allowing those animals to be continuously abused or to be KILLED,” he emphasized and noted her jerk in reaction, “would be completely unlike you.”

Dawn shifted uncomfortably. She knew he was just speculating and had no evidence so she refused to acknowledge any truth in his words. “I do what I have to do for work. I signed the agreement long before I understood what they were doing but once I did, I was stuck. I still am. I don’t have anything to say.”

One of the other men in the room made an impatient sound and strode forward, “This is a federal investigation. We’re not even interested in the damn animals. We just want to get the dangerous research away from your employer. If you have any kind of patriotism, it’s your duty to tell us everything you know.”

Dawn looked at him scornfully and replied, “Maybe you should talk to all of the military personnel that have been in on this from the beginning then.” She turned back to Trevor, “I don’t know what you’re looking for, but I’m pretty sure it’s already gone.”

“What do you mean?” Dawn had to strain to hear Trevor’s question between the exclamations and questions from the others.

When Dawn refused to say any more, the men decided to give her time to consider her options.

The good news seemed to be that they had no evidence that she had done anything wrong. And in less than an hour the animals should be safely ensconced in their new homes.

The fact was that she was essentially the ringleader of the heist. It was strange to consider herself in that vein but the facts remained that she had scouted and recruited her fellow employees to engineer a massive “relocation” of every single animal subject on site.

That being the case, it didn’t take much convincing. Most of the staff had expressed their distaste openly on many occasions but they were simply reminded of their contract and usually offered a raise to stay. Many stayed for the animals. They needed any kind of comfort the staff could offer. When they were informed a week ago that the project would be “scrubbed” everyone knew what that meant for the animals.

How can any human being turn their back on suffering and not try to do something to alleviate it? Turns out, the majority of the employees at Green Light Laboratory were not okay with it. Dawn was careful choosing her accomplices because she didn’t want too many people involved and potentially culpable but it was hard to narrow down because everyone wanted to take part. Eventually, they only needed 7 people including Dawn. It was very true that Dawn had distracted the guards so everyone else could escape. In total, the other six saved 102 animals that night. Of the saved animals, 13 were dogs, 9 cats, 66 mice, 6 guinea pigs, 2 parrots, one marmoset and 5 rabbits.

It was a complicated endeavor that any other six people on earth wouldn’t have been able to pull off. Theresa had an uncanny ability to get all the dogs to obey her every command and it came in handy as she single handedly wrangled all 13 dogs; 6 Beagles, 5 Labradors, a Shitzu and a Poodle out to the van they had waiting. Many were installed in carriers but Theresa chose to have several of her favorites sit with her on the floor of the van.

George came in every night and ensured all the cats were comfortable, fed and taken care of so it was no wonder that the cats followed him around. He placed 4 in carriers but the other 5 cats simply followed him to the van where they were individually crated.

Mary refused to subject her mice to any unnecessary trauma so she somehow managed to make three unnoticed trips with them all. She’d designed her own containment for them with individual habitats but they only held 22 each so she had to carry 3 fifty pound containment units and she did it slowly to ensure everyone’s safety.

The guinea pigs were tended to by Marcus and they were easily transported together in a relatively small container. Being social animals, guinea pigs prefer to be with others and often become depressed alone. Marcus carried their habitat as though it were made of glass that could shatter if it were jostled too much. As he tucked them safely in a nook amidst other carriers he heard them chirping and scuttling happily. It was as though all the animals knew happy things were afoot.

The parrots Valentine and Eureka were easy as James was their favorite person but the problem began when he tried to take Tippy, the marmoset along too. The girls wanted nothing to do with Tippy but James was able to distract them with some treats so he could get them all to safety. They entered the van where James promptly placed the birds in their designated cages while Tippy clung to his neck.

The rabbits were so hard for Erin. They’re fragile creatures and can easily be scared so much they can have a heart attack and die. She didn’t want to be responsible for any deaths but especially not Hayley, Pollyanna, Sharon, Susan, Patti or Mary. Therefore, she resolved to make as many calm sensible trips as necessary to ensure her charges a safe and stress free journey. Fortunately, it only took 2 trips to get everyone settled comfortably.

Dawn had made every effort to ensure success which included overseeing security. As soon as she realized they were moving in, she placed herself as a distraction which just barely resulted in everyone in the very crowded van getting away.

Dawn had arranged for a rescue to take on all of the animals so she took comfort in knowing that they were on their way to a better life. Whatever she had to deal with was worth it to have that knowledge. And there’s no way she’d risk their safety by giving up their location.

After about an hour, Trevor returned by himself and stood before her expectantly. Dawn raised her eyebrows inquiringly. Her stubbornness wouldn’t allow her to speak first.

Trevor sighed, “I wish you could understand that we’re just trying to help.”

Dawn looked at him derisively, “How are you trying to help?”

Trevor took a deep breath before he explained, “We just need to make sure that no one can obtain the information gleaned through this research. I understand that all the hard copies disappeared which is worrisome but we can confirm that all digitized information has been deleted. Tell me, do you know anything about the hard copies?”

When Dawn just looked at him blankly he stood up frustrated, “I’m not asking you to give them to me or even tell me where they are. Can you at least tell me if they’re in a safe place where they won’t be found?”

Dawn looked at him with a mysterious smile on her face and told him, “Oh, no one will ever find that research, I guarantee it.”