Dana's security plan has been compromised. Maya looked toward the communication screen. Where are transfer papers? Cole glanced at the document stand. There was no time to complete them.
A federal vehicle is waiting downstairs. Maya selected another question. Where is Donna handling the arrest paperwork for Noah Reed? That answer confirmed Cole did not know Noah had begun cooperating. Maya kept her expression neutral.
Cole placed the leather folder on the stand and opened it. Inside was an electronic statement already prepared for her signature. I can end the pressure on Jasmine. He said the hospital will withdraw the complaint. Riverside will restore her clinical placement and the prosecutor will close the data case.
Maya read the first paragraph. The statement claimed that she had misunderstood Ror's actions during the traffic stop. It also said medication may have affected her ability to identify voices and interpret police codes. At the bottom, a digital signature box waited for confirmation through her eyetracking system. Maya looked back at Cole.
Why would Shaw agree? Cole pulled a chair closer. Because this investigation has become expensive for everyone. Shaw wants it finished, and you want your daughter protected. He attacked her.
He applied pressure. There is a difference. Maya's gaze remained fixed on him. Cole softened his voice. Jasmine is 22.
She has her whole career ahead of her. You know how quickly an accusation can follow someone through every application and background check. Maya looked down at the statement again. Cole believed. She was considering it.
You do not have to defend the whole city. he continued. You only need to decide whether this case matters more than your daughter. Maya selected the first symbol in the hidden transmission sequence. Cole did not notice. She moved to the second symbol.
The backup camera activated without changing the main screen. Cole leaned forward. Ror had 47 seconds in your room and you turned them into a federal case. That was clever, but it did not recover the money or the records. Maya stopped.
Dana had never released the exact length of the transmission. Cole had now repeated it twice without being asked. Maya selected the final symbol. A small light beneath the communication device changed from green to red. The transmission began.
Maya typed, "You watched the live stream. " Cole's eyes moved toward the light. His calm expression disappeared. I reviewed the evidence before it was filed. Cole stood and reached for the communication device. Maya activated the screen lock.
The signature document vanished, replaced by a security notice. Cole pulled at the cable, but the federal battery remained connected beneath the bed. You are making the same mistake again, he said. You think recording someone gives you power. Maya typed, "You sent room number. " Cole looked toward the door.
"No one entered. " He appeared to decide that Dana was not close enough to stop him. "I gave Ror information," he said. I did not order him to hurt you. You created Jasmine files. I created a reason for her to cooperate.
She would never have been charged if you had signed the first statement. Maya held his gaze. Cole continued, now speaking faster. Shaw needed the investigation slowed down. Dominion needed time to move the accounts.
Clare provided patient information. Todd controlled hospital access and Ror handled the vehicles. I kept the task force from reaching the center before the records were cleared. Where is Shaw? Cole hesitated.
Maya typed. He will blame you. The words changed his expression more than the accusation had. He cannot. Cole said, I have copies.
Where you think I would tell you? Maya selected. He already moved money. He will leave you. Cole looked toward the door again.
He is transferring the final accounts tonight. he said. By sunrise, the paper records will be gone, and Shaw will be on his way to an emergency management conference in Nashville. Maya typed, "Where are records? " An auction warehouse near the state line. Dominion kept original vehicle transfers there because Shaw did not trust the digital system. The door opened.
Dana entered with two federal officers. One carried a soft protective shield. The other held restraints and a control baton at his side. Cole stepped away from the bed. Dana looked at the red transmission light.
"Thank you for confirming the location. " Cole's face tightened. She manipulated the conversation. "No," Dana said. She asked questions. "You answered them. " One officer moved between Cole and the exit.
"Turn around and place your hands behind your back," Dana ordered. Cole reached toward the communication device, but Maya had already locked every control. The officer guided him away from the bed and secured his wrists without a struggle. As they searched the leather folder, Dana found the unsigned statement, a hospital access card and a small drive containing copies of the fabricated records used against Jasmine. Cole watched the evidence being sealed.
Shaw will be gone before you reach him. Dana picked up her phone. Not if the warrants are signed first. Cole understood then that Shaw had intended to leave him behind. His resistance ended.
Within the hour, Cole provided the warehouse address, the auction system password, the transfer accounts, and Shaw's travel schedule. In exchange, his attorney was permitted to begin discussions with federal prosecutors, though Dana promised him nothing. A judge approved sealed search warrants, asset freeze orders, and arrest warrants before dawn. Maya watched Dana prepare to leave for the courthouse. For the first time since the attack, the investigation was no longer reacting to Shaw's next move.