Sonya straightened. "You have transmission records from the actual arrest?"
"Yes. The system captured GPS coordinates and sound pattern data before Rourke took my phone. It won't have complete audio, but it proves I triggered a real-time emergency alert. The timestamp will match dispatch records."
"That's crucial," Clara said. "It shows you had immediate concern for your safety, enough to activate official protocols. And it contradicts any claim that this was a routine stop that simply went wrong."
Raymond nodded on screen. "Federal Civil Rights Division is aware and monitoring. But they can't simply take over local jurisdiction without clear evidence of rights violations."
"Which is why we need to secure everything tonight," Clara said, standing. "Witnesses remember details better immediately after events. And footage has a way of developing technical problems when departments have time to review it."
Evelyn watched the young journalist gather her things. "Be careful. Rourke won't appreciate you digging."
"I'm counting on it," Clara replied. "His reaction to questions will tell its own story."
Sonya began organizing files. "We'll need statements from the gas station customers who recorded videos. And we should request Officer Halverson's separate account before the department coordinates responses."
"He wanted to speak up," Evelyn noted. "I saw it in his face when Rourke escalated. He knew something was wrong."
Raymond's voice carried authority even through the tablet speaker: "This isn't over just because they released you. They'll try to minimize everything, make it disappear."
"Which is exactly why it can't disappear," Evelyn said firmly. "This wasn't about me. It was about power and assumptions, and what happens when no one speaks up."
Clara checked her phone one last time. "The gas station closes at midnight. If I leave now, I can catch the night shift workers before they head home."
Sonya handed her a card. "Call immediately if anyone gives you trouble. And Clara: get everything on record. Every word."
The journalist nodded, shouldering her bag. The room felt heavy with purpose as she moved toward the door. Outside, Bellhaven streets were quiet except for occasional police cruisers making slow passes past the motel.
"We should review your statement again," Sonya said to Evelyn as Clara left. "The timeline needs to be absolutely precise."