"Perfect. Tell him Marcus Brooks is here, Navy SEAL currently assigned to Special Operations Command. He'll want to take this meeting."
The sergeant's hand hesitated. "Sir, I don't think—"
"Make the call," Marcus insisted. "Unless you want to explain to federal investigators why you obstructed an inquiry into civil-rights violations."
While the sergeant dialed, Marcus pulled out his own phone and called Diana Washington, a civil-rights attorney he had worked with before. "Diana, sorry for the late hour. I need you at the Central District station. They've arrested Angela on false charges and conducted an illegal search."
He listened briefly. "Yes, Captain Holt is involved. Looks like developer pressure on the neighborhood."
The holding-area door buzzed open. Officer Griggs emerged, his swagger less pronounced than earlier.
"Mr. Brooks," Griggs said stiffly. "Captain Holt will see you shortly. Meanwhile, you can speak with your wife. Briefly."
Marcus followed Griggs down the corridor, noting security-camera positions and officer names. Every detail mattered when building a case.
Angela sat upright in her cell, her expression brightening slightly when she saw Marcus. The bruises around her wrists made his jaw clench, but he maintained his composure.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
"I'm fine," Angela replied. "But this isn't about me. They're after Mrs. Carter's house. The whole arrest was theater, trying to scare the neighborhood."
"Wrap it up," Griggs interrupted. "Captain's waiting."
Marcus touched Angela's hand through the bars. "Diana's on her way. Hang tight."
Captain Holt's office radiated authority: polished desk, awards on the walls, an American flag in the corner. But Marcus noticed the golf trophy from Crystal Lake Country Club displayed prominently. Another piece of evidence.
"Mr. Brooks," Holt said without standing. "Your wife was arrested for obstruction and inciting unrest. The charges are legitimate."
"Save it," Marcus replied, remaining standing. "We both know this is about clearing properties for Vision Heights Development. How much are they paying you to harass residents?"
Holt's face hardened. "Careful, Mr. Brooks. Your military status doesn't give you license to make accusations."
"No, but evidence does." Marcus placed his phone on Holt's desk, displaying property records. "Interesting pattern here. Police pressure, sudden sales, all going to Vision Heights at below-market value."
"Pure coincidence," Holt dismissed, "and completely irrelevant to your wife's arrest."
"We'll let the federal investigation determine that." Marcus leaned forward. "Release Angela now, and maybe we can discuss dropping the civil-rights lawsuit."
"Are you threatening me?" Holt stood, attempting to use his height to intimidate him.