"Then you can produce the warrant," a state investigator cut in, her badge gleaming. "Along with the federal authorization for this operation."
Larkin's smile faltered. "Given the time-sensitive nature—"
"There is no warrant," Judge Price called out from her position near the property line. "No paperwork at all. Just fifteen armed men surrounding a woman's home without cause."
Captain Kessler paced near his vehicle, barking at younger officers. "Stop standing around like idiots. Secure your gear and maintain position until—"
"Actually," another investigator interrupted, "all personnel need to remain exactly where they are. Equipment stays in place for documentation."
Kessler's face reddened. "Now listen here—"
"Captain," the investigator's voice hardened, "that wasn't a suggestion. Your aggressive tone is already raising concerns about command conduct during this operation."
Neighbors pressed closer, phones recording every exchange. Tessa's livestream captured Kessler's barely contained rage as he stomped away from his subordinates. Her commentary was precise and damning.
"The captain who threatened to break down my mother's door can't even look at federal badges without losing his composure."
Inside the house, Nia watched through her windows as the scene transformed. The officers who had surrounded her home now stood uncertainly in small clusters, their earlier bravado replaced by nervous glances. Some whispered into phones, while others stared at their boots as investigators collected tactical gear.
"Ms. Ellison," Judge Price called from outside. "I have a state internal affairs investigator here. Would you like me to verify their credentials?"
"Yes," Nia responded through her security system. "Please check their ID and badge number."
The investigator held up her credentials for Evelyn's careful inspection. The judge examined them thoroughly, then nodded. "Legitimate state authority, Nia. Agent Sara Martinez, Internal Affairs Division."
"Ms. Ellison," Agent Martinez spoke clearly, "we've secured the perimeter and removed tactical units. Would you be willing to exit and provide a statement? Judge Price can remain present as a witness."
Nia watched Larkin receive what appeared to be devastating news from another investigator. His face drained of color as the man explained something about federal jurisdiction and civil rights violations. Several officers who had participated in the siege were now sitting in their vehicles, looking shell-shocked as their body cameras were collected for evidence.
"I'll come out," Nia decided. "But I want Judge Price to meet me at the door."
Evelyn moved to the porch while investigators cleared a path. When Nia finally opened her door, the crowd of neighbors erupted in supportive calls. Several church elders had arrived to stand witness. Veterans from down the street positioned themselves strategically around the property line, watching the increasingly nervous officers with hard eyes.
"Ms. Ellison," Agent Martinez began, "we'll need to document the sequence of events, starting with the first arrival of local units."
"I have complete video and audio recordings," Nia replied. "Multiple angles, backed up to secure storage."
Larkin tried to approach, but federal observers intercepted him. "Ms. Ellison, if we could just discuss this misunderstanding—"