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 strode 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," Holt ordered 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? " Holt 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 inches over the curb. My son got detained for sitting on our own porch. They shut down my home business over permit issues. Holt moved closer to Angela, lowering his voice, so only she could hear.
You think you're clever? You think exposing this changes anything? We own this neighborhood. Your little rebellion ends tonight. You don't own anything, Angela replied, matching his quiet tone.
And after this, everyone knows exactly what you are. The captain's face flushed with rage. He spun toward his officers. This woman is under arrest for obstruction of justice and inciting civil unrest. Get her out of here now.
Griggs and another officer dragged Angela toward the nearest patrol car. She didn't resist, keeping her voice steady as she called out, Mrs. Carter, don't let them intimidate you. Everyone, keep recording. Don't let them delete the videos.