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? Hol stood, attempting to use his height advantage. No threat, just facts.
By morning, military investigators, civil rights attorneys, and journalists will be asking questions about Vision Heights connection to this department. Your choice, how that plays out. Holt's confidence wavered slightly. Get out of my office. Your wife stays until processing is complete.
Fine. Marcus turned to leave. But remember, you're not just fighting us anymore. The whole neighborhood is watching. Back in the corridor, Marcus called Jack at the Metro Daily.
Need you to look into Crystal Lake Country Club, specifically who paid Captain Holts membership dues. He passed Angela's cell again. Diana will be here within the hour. Don't answer any questions. Angela nodded.
Be careful. Holts desperate. That makes him dangerous. So am I, Marcus replied quietly. And I fight smarter.
The night air felt heavy as Marcus exited the station. His phone buzzed with messages from military contacts and investigative reporters. The pieces were coming together, but they needed more. Dawn was breaking as he drove through the neighborhood. Construction survey markers dotted several front yards.
Small orange flags and spray painted lines. They hadn't been there during the arrest. Marcus pulled over, studying the pattern. The markers surrounded homes owned by elderly residents or military families, the ones most vulnerable to pressure tactics. A sleepyl looking surveyor emerged from a truck carrying more markers.
Marcus watched him check a document, then plant flags around Mrs. Carter's property. Vision Heights was moving fast, confident their police pressure would clear the way. They didn't realize they'd just given Marcus more evidence of the coordinated scheme. He photographed the markers and the surveyor's truck, adding them to his growing file.
Then he called Diana again. Change of plans, he said. Before you come to the station, I need you to file an emergency injunction. They are already marking properties for demolition without owner consent. The sun crept higher, casting long shadows across Brookside Street.
Marcus knew the next few hours would determine whether Holt's corruption machine would continue or finally face justice. The morning sun cast long shadows across Mrs. Carter's front porch as Marcus knocked on her door at 700 a.m. The elderly woman opened it cautiously, her eyes tired but alert. Mrs.