But there's something else. A satellite map appeared beside the live video. Three additional patrol cars were heading toward Nia's location. Daniel's jaw tightened. They're calling for backup.
Vanessa looked at him. If more officers arrive, she'll be outnumbered nine to one. Daniel remained silent for several seconds. Then he pressed a secure communications button. Malcolm.
A deep voice answered immediately. Go ahead. Prepare tactical team alpha. You want wheels rolling? Not yet.
Apaza. Not yet? Daniel continued watching the screen. No. His eyes never left Nia.
I want every single corrupt officer who answers that backup call identified before we move. Back on the street, Travis checked his watch. His patience had vanished. He pointed directly at Nia. Cuffer.
Ryan smiled. Now we're talking. Kevin looked horrified. On what charge? Travis answered without hesitation.
I'll think of one before the paperwork. Ryan reached for Nia's arm. This time, she didn't step away. She knew exactly what was happening. The investigation had just crossed an invisible line.
What began as intimidation was becoming an unlawful arrest, and every second of it was still being transmitted live to FBI headquarters. In Atlanta, Daniel Carter watched Ryan's hand closing around Nia's wrist. He exhaled slowly. Then he picked up the secure radio one final time. Tactical Team Alpha.
The room became perfectly silent. Start your engines. Ryan Mercer clamped his hand around Nia Brooks's wrist with unnecessary force. You're under investigation. Nia looked directly into his eyes.
For what crime? Ryan shrugged. We'll decide that after we search your car. Several nervous laughs came from the other officers. Travis Cole folded his arms, enjoying every second.
See? It's easier when people cooperate. Nia remained perfectly still. I have not resisted. No, Travis replied with a smirk.
You've just been inconvenient. Ryan jerked her toward the shoulder of the road. The handcuffs had not yet come out, but the message was unmistakable. Power first, questions later. Across the street, Marcus Hill took a hesitant step forward before Eric Nolan blocked his path.
You want to join her? Marcus looked at Nia. They're breaking the law. Eric laughed. No.
He shoved Marcus backward. We're writing it. Marcus stumbled, barely catching himself against a utility pole. A fresh scrape opened across his forearm, but he ignored the sting. His attention never left Nia.
Inside the convenience store, Linda Foster's hands trembled continued recording through the narrow opening in the blind. She whispered a prayer under her breath. Please let somebody see this. Outside, Dylan Hayes circled Nia's sedan one more time. This junk isn't worth searching, Ryan grinned.
Maybe. He looked at Nia, but people who drive junk usually have something to hide. Nia said nothing. Silence often forced arrogant people to reveal more than arguments ever could. Travis pointed toward the the Open it.
I don't consent. You've already said that, and the answer is still no. His smile disappeared. Ryan stepped closer until their faces were only inches apart. You think you're smarter than us?
No. I think the Constitution applies here. Ryan snorted, "Not today." Without warning, he reached into her jacket pocket, pretending to search for keys. Nia immediately stepped back.
"Do not touch me." There. Ryan pointed dramatically toward the crowd. "Did everybody see that?" He looked at Travis.
"She pulled away from an officer." Travis nodded as though a major crime had just occurred. Resisting. Kevin Ross stared in disbelief. She only stepped back.
Travis slowly turned toward him. "What did you say?" Kevin hesitated. "She didn't attack anyone." Ryan laughed sarcastically.
"You're becoming a lawyer now?" No. "Then stop talking." Kevin fell silent, but the uneasiness on his face only grew. Nia noticed.
He wasn't corrupt, not completely. He was afraid. Afraid of the badge on Travis's chest, afraid of losing the career he had spent years building. And fear had a way of making decent people look guilty. Miles away, engines roared to life inside a secured FBI motor pool.
Black SUVs rolled out one after another. Special Agent Malcolm Pierce climbed into the lead vehicle. His radio crackled. "Tactical Team Alpha in motion." Daniel Carter's calm voice answered, "Maintain distance.
No lights. No sirens. Understood." Malcolm glanced at the digital map. Estimated arrival, 22 minutes.
Too far. Too long. Back in Red Creek, another patrol cruiser pulled into the parking lot, then another. Nia counted silently. Seven officers now, not five.
The newcomers climbed out, immediately siding with Travis without asking a single question. One of them, Lieutenant Scott Harper, walked over with his thumbs hooked in his duty belt. "What's going on?" Travis smiled. "Suspicious woman interfering with police business.
Harper looked Nia up and down. Anything on her? Nothing yet. Harper frowned. Then why are we still standing here?
Travis answered quietly, because she's hiding something. Harper nodded as though that explained everything. No evidence, only assumption. Nia understood something important in that moment. This wasn't simply about five bad officers.
The corruption reached higher than anyone had expected. Marcus suddenly raised his voice. She's innocent. Every head turned. Harper walked toward him.
You know her? No. Then mind your own business. Marcus clenched his fists. I watched everything.
Ryan smiled coldly. No, you didn't. Marcus frowned. I was standing right there. Ryan took one deliberate step closer.
You were trespassing. I wasn't. Now you're arguing. Harper sighed dramatically. This day just keeps getting busier.
He nodded toward Marcus. Detain him. Two officers immediately grabbed Marcus by both arms. The young man struggled instinctively. Let me go.