The professor continued. I remember your closing remarks about equal justice under the law. Naomi remained silent. Ryan barked another laugh. Professor, with all due respect, you're mistaken.

The older man never looked away from Naomi. No, I'm not. Ryan felt irritation turning into panic. This is ridiculous. Before anyone could answer, another voice joined the conversation.

It came from one of the state security agents standing near the entrance. He had been silent since arriving until now. He looked toward Naomi. Ma'am. The governor gave him a subtle glance.

The agent immediately stopped speaking. Ryan noticed. Why had the governor stopped him? What was everyone waiting for? Across the diner, Mr.

Miller quietly disappeared into the office behind the kitchen. A minute later, he returned carrying a small black DVR box. connected to the restaurant's security cameras. He placed it carefully on the counter. Ryan frowned. What's that for?

The cameras. Ryan's stomach tightened. They've been recording all morning. No kidding. Miller met his eyes for the first time in years.

I made backup copies, too. Ryan's confidence cracked a little more. You weren't supposed to do that. I've started making backups every day. Since when?

Since 3 months ago? Ryan stared. Why? Miller answered honestly. because too many things kept happening in this diner. Nobody said another word.

The meaning was painfully clear. This wasn't the first complaint. Frank Holloway folded his arms. I told you. Ryan looked around desperately.

He needed someone, anyone, to support him. Instead, he found only lowered expressions and silent disappointment. Even the second patrol officer who had arrived earlier stood quietly beside the entrance without saying a word. Ryan called out, "Deput Collins." The younger officer looked uncomfortable.

Sir, you were responding to my call? Yes, sir. Tell them I was following procedure. Collins hesitated. Everyone watched him.

Finally, he answered. I I arrived after the table had already been overturned. Ryan's jaw tightened, but you saw she was refusing orders. Collins lowered his eyes. I didn't personally witness that.

Ryan realized he was standing alone, completely alone. Outside, local reporters had begun gathering after seeing the line of government SUVs. Camera crews hurried across the parking lot. News vans arrived one after another. Inside the diner, phones buzzed non-stop.

Emily glanced down at hers. "Oh, what?" Frank asked, she turned the screen toward him. "The video." It already had over 2 million views.

Comments flooded in faster than anyone could read. "Who is the woman?" "That officer should be fired. Someone identify her. The governor is there."

Another alert appeared. A regional news station had started broadcasting the footage live. Ryan stared at the screen. His face was visible. Every insult, every shove, every second.

Live. He suddenly reached toward Emily. Give me the phone. She instinctively stepped backward. No.

I said, "Give it here." Governor Wittman's voice stopped him. Officer Mercer. Ryan froze. You will not touch another citizen.

The words were calm but unmistakably authoritative. Ryan slowly lowered his hand. The governor turned toward Naomi once more. His expression softened. We've delayed our meeting long enough.

Ryan frowned. Meeting? Naomi gave a nearly invisible nod. Yes. The governor smiled politely.

I apologize for keeping you waiting. The room fell silent. Ryan blinked. Waiting. His eyes moved from the governor to Naomi and back again.

Emily covered her mouth. The professor slowly smiled. Frank Holloway exhaled deeply. Every piece of the puzzle was beginning to fall into place. Yet Ryan still couldn't accept what his instincts were screaming.

He forced out one last nervous laugh. Governor, you can't seriously mean. Wittmann looked directly into his eyes. I mean, exactly what you think I mean. Before Ryan could ask another question, the diner's front door opened once again.

Three men and two women entered wearing dark business suits. Each carried a leather credential wallet embossed with the seal of the United States Senate. One of them scanned the room. The moment his eyes found Naomi, he walked straight toward her. Then, in front of every customer, every reporter, every state official, and every camera recording the scene, he stopped beside the coffee stained woman Ryan had called someone who didn't belong.

He respectfully bowed his head. Good morning, Senator Brooks. The entire diner went utterly silent. Officer Ryan Mercer's face turned ghost white. Officer Ryan Mercer's face turned ghost white.

Good. Good morning, Senator. The senior congressional aid ignored him completely. Instead, he carefully took off his suit jacket and respectfully draped it over Naomi Brookke's coffee stained shoulders. I'm deeply sorry we weren't here a few minutes sooner, Senator Naomi offered a reassuring smile.

No one could have predicted this. The aid looked at the stains covering her blouse. I'm afraid they predicted more than you realize. Ryan frowned. What does that mean?

The aid slowly turned toward him. It means Senator Brooks has been conducting an unannounced statewide war factf finding tour for months. The words struck Ryan harder than any physical blow. His heartbeat thundered in his ears. Governor Wittmann folded his hands behind his back.

The senator requested that no local authority be notified before her visits. Ryan forced out a nervous laugh. So this is some kind of inspection. Naomi finally spoke. It began as one.

She looked around the diner. Now it has become something much larger. Outside, television cameras were multiplying by the minute. Reporters stood behind police tape, hastily placed by state troopers who had just arrived. The words breaking news flashed across several satellite news vans.

Inside, Emily quietly wiped tears from her cheeks. I knew I'd seen you somewhere. Naomi smiled warmly. I'm glad you remembered my face. Emily shook her head.

I remembered something else. What was that? The way you talked about dignity. Naomi's expression softened. "My mother taught me that dignity is the one thing no one can take unless we surrender it."

Emily looked at the overturned table. "You never surrendered yours." Across the room, Frank Holloway nodded proudly. "That's exactly what I was thinking." Ryan suddenly stepped forward.

"Governor, Senator, I'd like an opportunity to explain." Governor Whitman didn't answer. Naomi did. "You've had that opportunity since the moment you walked into this diner." Ryan swallowed.

"I misjudged the situation." No. She calmly met his eyes. You judged me. The room fell silent.