"You're becoming a lawyer now?" No. "Then stop talking." Kevin fell silent, but the uneasiness on his face only grew. Nia noticed.
He wasn't corrupt, not completely. He was afraid. Afraid of the badge on Travis's chest, afraid of losing the career he had spent years building. And fear had a way of making decent people look guilty. Miles away, engines roared to life inside a secured FBI motor pool.
Black SUVs rolled out one after another. Special Agent Malcolm Pierce climbed into the lead vehicle. His radio crackled. "Tactical Team Alpha in motion." Daniel Carter's calm voice answered, "Maintain distance.
No lights. No sirens. Understood." Malcolm glanced at the digital map. Estimated arrival, 22 minutes.
Too far. Too long. Back in Red Creek, another patrol cruiser pulled into the parking lot, then another. Nia counted silently. Seven officers now, not five.
The newcomers climbed out, immediately siding with Travis without asking a single question. One of them, Lieutenant Scott Harper, walked over with his thumbs hooked in his duty belt. "What's going on?" Travis smiled. "Suspicious woman interfering with police business.
Harper looked Nia up and down. Anything on her? Nothing yet. Harper frowned. Then why are we still standing here?
Travis answered quietly, because she's hiding something. Harper nodded as though that explained everything. No evidence, only assumption. Nia understood something important in that moment. This wasn't simply about five bad officers.
The corruption reached higher than anyone had expected. Marcus suddenly raised his voice. She's innocent. Every head turned. Harper walked toward him.
You know her? No. Then mind your own business. Marcus clenched his fists. I watched everything.
Ryan smiled coldly. No, you didn't. Marcus frowned. I was standing right there. Ryan took one deliberate step closer.
You were trespassing. I wasn't. Now you're arguing. Harper sighed dramatically. This day just keeps getting busier.