Clara was already pulling up the gas station's business listing on her phone. "Then I'll call him at home. This is time-sensitive."
Back at the hotel, Sonya's laptop screen illuminated her focused expression as she drafted urgent legal notices. "We need to demand immediate preservation of all video evidence, radio traffic, dispatch logs, and booking documentation," she explained to Evelyn. "Once these notices are served, destroying or altering records becomes a separate offense."
Evelyn nodded, but her mind kept returning to the crowd at the gas station. "What bothers me most isn't Rourke's behavior. We expect some officers to abuse power. But all those people just watched. No one spoke up."
"The bystander effect," Sonya said quietly. "Everyone assumes someone else will intervene."
The tablet on the desk lit up with Raymond's incoming call. His face appeared, looking tired but determined.
"I've made arrangements to fly in at 6:00," he said. "And I've been speaking with Judge Marshall. She's retired from the federal bench, but still has connections. She can recommend civil rights attorneys who specialize in cases like this."
"Good," Sonya replied. "We'll need strong representation. Local counsel won't be enough for what's coming."
Evelyn's phone buzzed with a news alert. She opened it and felt her stomach tighten. "They're already spinning their story."
The Bellhaven Police Department had just issued a statement:
Earlier today, officers responded to reports of suspicious activity at a local business. The subject in question initially refused to comply with lawful commands during a routine investigation. While regrettable, all actions taken by officers were appropriate and in accordance with department policy regarding suspicious vehicle alerts and potential identity fraud. We are reviewing the incident internally, but maintain that proper procedures were followed.
Sonya read over Evelyn's shoulder and swore softly. "They're not even waiting until morning to start the cover-up."
"They're calling me 'the subject,'" Evelyn said, her voice steady but tight. "Dehumanizing what they did. Making it clinical."
At the gas station, Clara's persistent calls finally reached Mr. Whitaker. After explaining the situation and hinting at possible media coverage of evidence destruction, she secured his promise not to overwrite the surveillance footage. The night clerk, Mike, had become more talkative once he realized Clara was investigating the department rather than the gas station.
"Lorna's not a bad person," he insisted. "But she gets nervous around certain customers, you know? Calls the cops too quick sometimes."
"And the officers encourage that?" Clara asked.