More neighbors gathered on porches and lawns. The Martinez family had been joined by the Wilsons and Thompsons. Angela counted at least eight phones recording the scene. Mrs. Carter had finally emerged from her house, her small frame trembling as she watched from her porch steps.
"Get that house open," Holt barked at two officers near Angela's front door.
They moved forward, one already reaching for the doorknob.
"I do not consent to any search of my property," Angela announced clearly, making sure her voice carried to all the recording phones. "You have not presented a warrant or any documentation of probable cause."
Griggs suddenly shoved her forward, causing her to stumble. "Shut your mouth. You don't give orders here."
Angela regained her balance without resisting. She kept her movements slow and controlled even as her shoulder ached from Griggs's rough handling. Through the phone, she heard Marcus speaking rapidly to someone else, his voice clipped and professional.
"Did everyone see that?" Mr. Martinez called from across the street. "He just assaulted her for no reason. She's not even resisting."
"Mind your own business," another officer shouted back. "Clear the area. Everyone back inside your homes."
Nobody moved. Instead, more neighbors emerged, drawn by the commotion. Yellow porch lights clicked on one by one, illuminating the growing crowd of witnesses. Angela heard the distinctive sound of social-media notifications as people began sharing videos in real time.
"Marcus," Angela said into the phone again, her voice carrying clearly in the tense atmosphere. "They're about to enter the house. Officer Griggs has physically assaulted me twice now. Captain Holt is directing everything."
"Keep that phone recording," Marcus replied. "I've got JAG lawyers conferencing in right now. They're pulling up your property's federal status."
Captain Holt signaled to the officers at the door. "Enough of this circus. Get that door open and clear the house."
"Sir," one of the younger officers called out. "Shouldn't we wait for the warrant?"
"I said clear that house," Holt snapped, his composure cracking slightly. "This is a time-sensitive operation."
Angela noticed a subtle shift in the other officers' posture. Several exchanged uncertain glances. They could feel the situation spiraling beyond their control, with too many witnesses and too many cameras recording their actions.
The sound of a door being forced open cracked through the night air. Angela turned to see two officers disappearing into her house, flashlight beams dancing across her living-room walls through the windows.
"Marcus, they've entered the house," Angela reported calmly. "No warrant, no documentation, forced entry."
"Perfect," Marcus replied, and Angela detected a hint of grim satisfaction in his voice. "Keep narrating everything you see. JAG has the property records pulled up. They're conferencing with the Pentagon legal office right now."
Griggs tightened his grip again, trying to provoke a reaction. "Your husband can call whoever he wants. Won't change anything happening right here, right now."
Angela ignored him and kept her attention on Captain Holt. His earlier smugness had developed a brittle edge. He kept glancing at the growing crowd of neighbors and all the recording phones pointed in his direction.
"Captain," Angela said, her voice clear and professional, "I need to inform you that this property falls under federal military-housing protection due to my husband's classified status and assignments. Unauthorized entry could constitute a federal offense."