One of the men asked firmly but politely, "Excuse me, are you Ms. Wiley?


    I nodded and tried to keep my voice steady. "I am. What is this about?" lead showed his ID,


    "We''re from the police special task force. There are some details we need to rity regarding the incident from earlier today." The man in the le and his tone suggested that there was no room for doubt.


    I free and was surprised that what had seemed like a simple robbery would soon inflict me. Though I was suspicious, I did my best to stay calm and stepped aside to let them in


    One thought stre how likely it was for the poll


    for the police to visit my house at such ate hour?


    I stopped abruptly as I was immediately alerted. My eyes darted between the men and tried to catch any signs of abnormality in their faces.


    Then, a small detail caught my attention. The ID the leader had shown seemed to have an odd reflection. It was not quite the kind one would expect from a genuine stic card under indoor lightning. "Give me a minute," I said, teigning calmness and subtly narrowing the door gap to keep it just ajar for safety. "I''d like to confirm your identities, and I need to make a call to mywyer who can help verity." The men exchanged quick nces as a flicker of panic crossed their faces. Then, the leader forced a smile.


    "Ms. Wiley, we understand your caution, but this is an urgent matter," he said. "We really need your cooperation, and we can always talk at the station if it''s


    inconvenient now.


    His answerconfirmed my doubts. No real officer would be this desperate for answers or refuse a reasonable request to confirm their identities, especially at such ate hour.


    I took a deep breath and was abo


    here for your safety."


    about to say something when the man frowned. "What you did today wasmendable, but you should also be careful. We''re only


    I scoffed. Though it might seem like a word of concem, he was testing my reaction and hoping I''d let my guard down


    My mind raced for a strategy


    ty while maintaining aposed facade. "Thank you for your concern, but I have the right to confirm the identity of any visitors to ensure my safely as a citizen."


    I nced around with a contact mywyer, he will assist with the ventication."


    a sharp gaze and continued, "Especially at this hour, anypse in judgment could lead to unforeseen consequences. Please allow me to


    My voice was firm as I subtly took a step back to further narrow the d


    door and give myself more room to react if needed.


    The man hadn''t expected me to b


    o resolute. Atense silence followed as the leader''s e


    dashed with a hint of impatience.


    But he soon smoothed it over and tried to persuade me to open the door with a softer tone. "Ms. Wiley, we really need your cooperation to resolve this case as soon as possible. Please trust us professionals."This belongs ? N?velDra/ma.Org.


    I shook my head and Insisted. "I trust in the professionalism of the police, but I also trust the tights thew grants me. I can''t let you in unless your fully verified.


    Identities a


    Though I wasn''t any calmer, my extemulposure gave me an air of authority. I noticed them exchanging another nce as if weighing their next move.