Then, without taking his eyes off Kevin, he spoke loudly enough for everyone nearby to hear. Funny thing about probable cause. He finally looked back at Nia. Sometimes it introduces itself. At that exact moment, Ryan suddenly shouted, "She's deleting the video!"
He wasn't telling the truth, but the accusation was enough. Travis pointed directly at Nia. "Seize the phone." Ryan lunged. Nia stepped sideways, protecting the device with her body instead of striking back.
She could have disarmed him. She knew at least six different techniques that would have dropped him onto the pavement in seconds. Instead, she absorbed the impact. Ryan slammed into her shoulder. The phone slipped from her hand.
It bounced once across the concrete. Dylan grabbed it before she could. Got it. He held the phone high like a trophy. The crowd murmured nervously.
Travis nodded with satisfaction. There. Now we're getting somewhere. Nia stared at the phone. Months of planning, evidence, notes, contacts.
Everything appeared to be inside that device. Travis noticed the concern on her face and smiled. I knew it. You've got something to hide. He handed the phone to Dylan.
See what's on it. Dylan unlocked the screen. His expression changed almost immediately. This is weird. What?
There isn't much here. No contacts. Almost no photos. Only a few ordinary applications. Ryan frowned.
That's it? Nia remained perfectly still. Because that phone was never meant to hold evidence. It was a decoy. Every important file had already been transmitted through the encrypted application the instant Ryan first reached for her.
Unfortunately, Travis wasn't ready to give up. He looked from the nearly empty phone, Tonya, then toward her old gray sedan. A slow smile spread across his face. If the phone's clean, he pointed directly at the car. Let's search the vehicle.
Nia's heartbeat remained steady. But for the first time since arriving in Red Creek, she knew the situation was spiraling far faster than anyone at FBI headquarters had anticipated. The smile on Sergeant Travis Cole's face widened as he pointed toward the aging gray sedan. Search the vehicle. Officer Ryan Mercer cracked his knuckles.
Finally. Nia Brooks stepped forward just enough to stand between the officers and her car. I do not consent to any search. Travis chuckled. Good thing we weren't asking.