Shut her up, Holt ordered. Griggs started dragging Angela toward a police cruiser. She planted her feet, forcing him to physically lift her. As they struggled, Angela noticed something strange. Several officers had stopped what they were doing, their attention drawn to Mrs.
Carter's house next door. Following their gaze, Angela saw the setting sun reflecting off Mrs. Carter's windows. The small, well-maintained home stood in stark contrast to the chaos unfolding in Angela's yard. Officers kept glancing between Captain Hol and Mrs.
Carter's property with uncertain expressions. Mrs. Carter herself still stood on her porch steps, hands clasped tightly together. Her face was a mask of worry as she watched Angela being manhandled by the police. But there was something else in the elderly woman's expression, a deep, weary knowledge that made Angela's suspicions crystallize.
The pieces clicked together in Angela's mind as she watched the officer's furtive glances toward Mrs. Carter's house. For months, neighbors had whispered about aggressive real estate agents pressuring people to sell. Mrs. Carter mentioned receiving daily calls about her property, each offer more insistent than the last.
"This isn't about any fugitive," Angela said loudly, making sure everyone could hear. "This is about Mrs. Carter's house, isn't it, Captain? " Holt's expression darkened. He stroed over and grabbed Angela's arm, his fingers digging into her flesh. I said, "Shut up.
The development company wants this whole block. " Angela continued, ignoring the pain. But Mrs. Carter won't sell. So now you're trying to scare everyone into leaving. Get her in the car, Holered through clenched teeth.
Griggs yanked Angela backward, but she planted her feet. That's why you've been harassing our neighborhood. The random traffic stops, the noise complaints, the parking tickets. You're working for the developers. The crowd of neighbors stirred.
Angela saw recognition dawn on their faces as they connected the dots. Mr. Wilson shouted, "Is that true? You're trying to force us out? " Mrs. Martinez pushed forward.
"My brother got arrested last month for suspicious behavior in his own yard. Was that part of this, too? " Hol raised his hands, trying to calm the growing anger. These are baseless accusations from a woman who's clearly unstable. She's interfering with a legitimate police operation. What operation?
Angela challenged. You haven't found anything because there's nothing to find. This whole thing is a show of force to intimidate us. Mrs. Carter's voice cut through the tension.
They offered me triple market value last week. Her words carried across the yard, steady and clear. When I refused, a police officer came by to inspect my property for code violations. More neighbors began sharing stories. They towed my car for being 2 in over the curb.