Crumbling Morality

Opening the door, she threw the bag in and got into the backseat of the car. Following that, she slapped her hand on the driver's seat and ordered, "Quick! Quick! Drive away fast! Those men are like vampires! Their senses are too crazy."

And it didn't take a second longer for the boy on the driver's to start the car. Beside him was a girl seated. Both of them were eighteen just like her.

The one on the shotgun seat turned back and asked, "Say, Lia, they really didn't notice this time?"

At this, Juliana stretched her arms over the backseat of the car and wore a smug expression before answering, "Who do you think I am? Of course, it's impossible for them to catch me. I am the expert in sneaking out— the martial arts genius."

Following this, for the dramatic effect, Juliana made random motions with her hand while saying, "Whoosh!"

The boy laughed.

"You are the one who got spanked after running away from home."

That blew the fuse for Juliana. Standing up, she grabbed on to the back of driver's seat and shouted, "How many times do I have to tell I wasn't spanked? It was simply a threat. And I was just seven back then."

"Alright. Alright. I got it. Sit down. The car was repaired yesterday. If you break it again, my dad will have my ass beaten."

Juliana scoffed and fell back to her seat, folding her arms over her chest.

"And, Claire, get your shoes off my seat."

"Oh! Right."

Claire sat back down properly.

"Got everything prepared, Liam?" Juliana questioned.

"Yes, your majesty, I did. Of course, minus the part about the consequences you might face once we get caught."

"With the martial arts genius on your side, it's impossible for us to get caught."

°°°

"And you were saying?" whispered Liam to Juliana as the three of them sat in the police station, and opposite to them was the police officer.

Claire had her eyes on the ground, looking all docile and nervous while she played with her finger. Liam too showed signs of apprehension. As for Juliana, she had her hands folded over her chest, looking arrogant, as she leaned against the chair.

"Listen, old man, we are like the three musketeers. We punish the evil and protect the innocent. Thinking about it, our line of job is the same. It's just that we are more competent than you," Juliana explained.

The corner of the police officer's lips twitched. Only Juliana would be able to show such an attitude after being caught vandalizing.

"So, your idea of justice is spray painting vulgar words on the door of a café?" asked the police officer.

"Wasn't I being too lenient? Honestly, I wanted to set the place on fire, but because it was his first offense, I decided against it. Next time he repeats his action, forget his café, I will set him on fire."

Juliana sounded serious as she clenched her hand into a tight fist. Her eyes clearly showed the burning rage ignited inside.

She was too bold.

Knowing their friend's personality well, Liam and Claire didn't even try to stop her. She tend to act out more in that case, and this wasn't the first time. They were used to it.

"What did he do that pissed you off so much, Young Lady?" The police officer tried to remain polite.

"He harassed the underage workers. All of you bunch are good-for-nothings. You are receiving the money from public well, but don't do anything in return. It must be a very relaxing job." Juliana sneered.

"This can't be blamed on us. It's hard to keep track of the crimes if they aren't being reported. But if what you say is true, Young Lady, we will make sure to appropriately handle it."

"Tch! That's why, your good-for-nothing bunch needs me. Whatever. Anyways, make sure to find those workers decent job too."

"That is not a part of our job, Young Lady."

This made Juliana irked, and she slammed her hand on the police officer's table. Glaring at them, she shouted, "What do you mean? It's already bad enough that they are minors and have to work. And now, you are refusing to help them? Where's the humanity? Shouldn't the police be for public? Then, why are you good-for-nothings so selfish?"

Albeit being a little too aggressive, she did have her way with the words.

"Officer Robinson, it has been a while. Have you been well?"

The police officer was about to respond to her when a masculine voice caused him to stand up and wear a relieved expression. He turned to face the figure he currently recognized as his savior.

Standing at the height of over six feet, Lucas Knight was a dashing young man, having features that gave one impression of him being gentle and polite. He had his usual friendly smile on his face, making others feel at ease around him yet a sense of distance.

"Fine, all fine, Mr. Knight. Hopefully the days were better for you. Of course, they will be."

The bootlicking attitude of the police officer made Juliana shake her head. The morality in the society was truly crumbling.

"I apologize for the trouble brought up by my sister again. Thank you for taking care of her," Lucas expressed.

His words made Juliana stand up and shoot her brother a discontent look before voicing out, "What do you mean trouble? Old man, why don't you tell Lucas on how I helped bring justice to those in need?"

Claire pulled her skirt, indicating for Juliana to shut her down. But Juliana only shot Claire a discontent glance.

The police officer felt tense and responded, "No, no, no trouble at all. I am happy to take care of young lady. As she put it, she offered a lot of help."

"My little sister did? I suppose it was worth it to put her life in danger."

The police officer stiffened.

Then, Lucas's eyes fell on Juliana, and widening his smile, he added, "You did a praiseworthy job, Lia. You really need to be rewarded, a lot at that."

Scary.

Everyone involuntarily shuddered.

Liam decided to stand up and save himself by saying, "Sir, I mean, Mr. Lucas, I promise you that this wasn't my idea. I didn't pitch in anything. All I did was drive the car, so that Juliana would be safe."

Claire got up and chimed, "I was worried of Juliana being hurt as well. So, I came along to keep an eye on her."

"Oh?"

The two of them fervently nodded. The fear of offending Lucas's was imprinted on their body.

"Both of your parents are waiting for you at home. Do you need me to drop you off?"

That instantly got their expression to fall, and Liam shook his head immediately in response.

"No, no, Mr. Lucas. I can drive. Thank you."

Then, pulling Claire's hand, he whispered, "Let's go."

Claire nodded.

"Then, we will be leaving, Mr. Lucas."

With those words, the two of them rushed out of the police station.

"Come on. We have to go home as well."

Juliana nodded. Lucas grabbed on to her hand and left her away as she followed after him. Once they were out of the door, the police officer from before released a sigh in relief as he fell back on his chair.

Luckily, everything was intact this time around.

Another police officer then commented, "Sir, was there a need to act so subservient? After all, they were the one in the wrong."

This made the police officer show him a discontent expression. Standing up, he hit the back of his head and educated, "What would you know? Some people are just superior to the police officers."