Donovan placed a USB drive on the table. "All here." "But using it means scorching earth." "Everyone goes down." "Including people still on our side."
Derek stared at the tiny device containing years of incriminating evidence. "If Brooks has his way, we're finished anyway." The television caught his attention. Breaking news showing tactical teams surrounding Riverside Park. "Sources indicate authorities may have located fugitive officer Derek Simmons."
The reporter announced. "Police have established a perimeter around Riverside Park following a credible tip." "How did they Derek turned to Donovan, suspicion dawning. "Did you make a call?" "Set up a meeting."
"No." Donovan backed away, hands raised. "I swear, Derek. I didn't tell anyone." Derek drew his weapon, paranoia consuming reason. "Someone talked.
Someone always talks." "Put the gun down." Donovan urged. "Think this through." "I am thinking."
Derek shouted. "I'm thinking everyone I trusted has betrayed me. First Reeves, then Mercer, now you." "You're not thinking straight." Donovan said carefully.
"The stress the lack of sleep "Shut up." Derek's hand trembled. "Brooks is dismantling everything we built." "Everything we protected." "And you're all just letting it happen.
The standoff was interrupted by Donovan's phone ringing. He answered cautiously, eyes never leaving Derek's weapon. "It's starting." He reported after hanging up. "One of Miller's people says Brooks found the community impact documents.
He's going public this morning." Derek lowered his gun slightly. "The operation plans? The targeting protocols?" Donovan nodded grimly.
"Everything." A strange calm settled over Derek. "Then, it's time." "Time for what?" "My statement."
Derek tucked the gun into his waistband and grabbed his jacket. "I need a computer and transportation." "Derek, you can't go out there. Every cop in the city is looking for you." "Not where I'm going."
Derek's eyes reflected a dangerous resolve. "Not yet." At Riverside Park, Marcus approached the gazebo cautiously. Tactical teams were hidden among trees and joggers, the area secured without obvious police presence. A middle-aged man in an expensive suit waited alone, his bearing suggesting military or law enforcement background.
"Mr. Brooks." The man greeted him. "Thank you for coming." "You have information about Simmons?" "Potentially.
First, I'd like to discuss your press conference." Marcus maintained a neutral expression. "Who are you?" "Robert Carson. I represent certain interests concerned about the direction of your investigation.
Concerned enough to obstruct justice?" Carson smiled thinly. "On the contrary, we want justice served appropriately. Officer Simmons clearly broke the law and should face consequences. But expanding the investigation to encompass historical departmental policies serves no productive purpose.
It undermines public confidence in law enforcement at a critical time. The political maneuvering was becoming clear. You're afraid of what I found in the task force files. I'm concerned about the collateral damage from a well-intentioned but overzealous prosecution. Carson produced an envelope.
These are Simmons' movements over the past 12 hours tracked through a confidential source. His current location is included. Marcus didn't reach for the envelope. In exchange for? Perspective.
Focus your press conference on Simmons' individual actions. Leave broader policy questions for appropriate administrative review channels. You want me to bury evidence of systematic racial targeting. I want you to consider the greater good. Carson placed the envelope on the bench between them.
Finding Simmons is your Why would I trust this information? Because despite our differences, neither of us wants more violence. Simmons is deteriorating mentally. He's planning something dramatic. Marcus studied Carson's expression weighing sincerity against manipulation.
Who's backing you, Carson? Former Chief Miller? The slight flicker in Carson's eyes confirmed Marcus' suspicion. The Community Impact Initiative was Miller's brainchild, Marcus continued. The criminalization of entire neighborhoods to manufacture success statistics during his tenure.
That's what this is really about, isn't it? Protecting his legacy. His pension. His reputation. You're making powerful enemies, Mr. Brooks.
I've been making those my entire career. Marcus stood. Tell Miller and whoever else sent you that the truth comes out today. All of it? Then you're not interested in Simmons' location?
Oh, I'm interested. Marcus took the envelope. But you should know, this meeting is being recorded as part of an ongoing criminal investigation. If this information is fabricated or leads to an ambush, obstruction charges will be the least of your concerns. Carson's composure wavered slightly.
The information is genuine. We'll see. Marcus turned to leave, then paused. One question. How did Miller know I found the community impact documents?
Carson remained silent. Someone in my office is feeding him information, Marcus concluded. Or someone in the DA's office. That's a separate investigation I'll be opening this afternoon. As Marcus walked away, his phone vibrated with a text from an unknown number.
His blood chilled as he read it. You want me, counselor? Come and get me. Town hall meeting, 7:00 p.m. Let's talk about justice. Attached was a photo of a community center poster advertising that evening's emergency town hall discussion on police community relations.
Among the listed speakers, Marcus Brooks and Jamal Washington. Derek Simmons had just announced his final move. The emergency command center buzzed with tense activity as Chief Wilson surveyed the tactical map of the community center and surrounding areas. I want snipers on these three rooftops, he instructed, pointing to elevated positions. Plainclothes officers throughout the crowd.