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them against his thighs. He asked, "What's wrong, officers?"

"Plenty," said the second officer. "You were clocked at 207 mph in a 55 mph zone, resisted arrest, and have been caught in the act of solicitation with a known prostitute."

"How you doing, Candy?" asked the first officer.

"Fine until you two stopped us," she complained.

"Which reminds me," mentioned the second officer. "Crossing state lines for solicitation. I guess it's gong to be 10 years at Danbury."

Tim's mouth dropped. Tears began to well up in his eyes as he wimpered, "I didn't know. Why didn't you tell me who you were at the start?" he asked the woman.

"You never asked. I guess it was so long ago that you don't remember me. Besides, it was only for five minutes."

"I bet the judge might slap on an additional 5 to 10 for repeat offense," said the second officer.

"That's not fair. That's not fair," he protested as tears streaked down his cheeks.

"Hey kid, life isn't fair," the first officer said as he placed the handcuffs on Tim's wrists after removing the watches.

"But this is only a program," he lamented. "Programs aren't real."

"They're as real as you want them to be," said the second officer.

After regaining his composure a bit and before the officers could take him away, Tim asked, "Could I at least kiss Candy good-bye?"

The officers looked at each other, smiled, and nodded in approval.

"Could I have my hands freed? I want to enjoy the full experience. Besides, you two have guns."

"Alright, kid," said the arresting officer as he removed the handcuffs. "Just don't try any funny business."

Tim locked lips with the woman and had some tongue action as they embraced while the officers looked on. When the time was right, Tim pushed Candy toward the officers and took off toward his car.

It felt like a stone had torn through his back the first time when the bullet penetrated his body and left a larger hole in his stomach. The next shot knocked him facedown a few steps from his car and possible freedom.

The canopy of the EPU chamber opened and the computer leads disconnected from his EPU junction. Tim's dad was standing beside the chamber staring down at him.

"Have a good time soloing?" he asked.

"Fine. Fine."

"Do anything interesting on your first trip by yourself, officially?"

"Not much," he lied. "Met a nice girl, bought some little presents, took her for a drive in the country, nothing much to report on."

His dad noticed a wet stain on his pants along the zipper.

"As long as you didn't get into any trouble. You didn't, did you?" he asked, knowing his son would lie to his face.

"Nothing to speak of. I think I'll take it for another spin while I'm in here."

"Okay. Just make sure you're careful in the programs. You don't want to have any accidents, if you know what I mean," he said slyly.

"I'll be careful. What trouble could I get into that I can't get out of?. Besides, computers are our servants."

"Just keep believing that. Just keep believing," the older man said before he walked away and the canopy closed for a second time.

Learn more about this author, Rick Badman.
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