"Immediate suspension: Officer Gentry is suspended without pay, effective immediately, pending a criminal investigation for assault and civil rights violations.
Command reassignment: Captain Peterson, you are relieved of your command of the 44th District pending a full state inquiry into your leadership and training protocols.
State takeover: The state police will assume administrative control over the 44th District's dispatch and patrol routing until the DOJ audit is complete.
Public release: The data compiled by Brooks Holdings will be unsealed and released to the public and the press by tomorrow morning."
Peterson looked like he was going to be sick. He turned to Gentry, his eyes filled with a furious, helpless rage. "Give me your badge and your weapon, Travis. Right now."
Gentry's hands were shaking so badly he could barely unclip his holster. He handed over his firearm and his gold shield to his captain, stripping away his entire identity in the middle of a driveway he had tried to unlawfully control just 15 minutes prior.
Without a word, Peterson pointed to the unmarked SUV. Gentry, head hung low, devoid of any of his previous swagger, shuffled toward the vehicle and climbed into the back seat.
"Governor," Peterson said, his voice hollow. "Ms. Brooks... I am... I have no words."
"Then I suggest you leave in silence, Captain," Nadine said.
Peterson gave a stiff nod, turned on his heel, and walked back to his vehicle. He drove away, taking the disgraced Officer Gentry with him, leaving the pristine quiet of Windsor Hills to settle back over the estate.
Nadine watched the SUV disappear around the bend of Elmwood Drive. The adrenaline was finally beginning to crash, leaving a cold ache in her wrist and a profound exhaustion in her bones.