She noticed another woman in the cell across the corridor shivering in a thin tank top. Hey. Angela called softly to the woman. You okay over there? The woman looked up revealing a bruised cheek.
They said I was loitering. Outside my own apartment. Let me guess. Vision Heights bought your building? The woman's eyes widened.
How did you know? Keep quiet in there. A guard banged his flashlight against the bars. Angela settled back against the wall adding another piece to the puzzle. More residents being pushed out, more properties being cleared for development.
Marcus's rental car ate up the final miles to the station. His phone buzzed with a message from Jack. "Found something big. Vision Heights CEO played golf with Holt last month at Crystal Lake Country Club. Members only.
Holt's salary couldn't cover the dues. " "Download the club's financial records. " Marcus texted back. "Follow the money. " The station's parking lot came into view. Harsh security lights creating pools of yellow illumination. Marcus pulled into a space, checking his watch. 11:58 p.m.
He took a moment to center himself, remembering his SEAL training. Emotion wouldn't help Angela. Strategy would. He had the beginnings of evidence, legal resources ready to move, and a journalist eager to expose corruption. In her cell, Angela heard the front desk officer greeting someone.
She didn't know it was Marcus, but she felt the shift in the air. The moment when the balance of power began to change. Marcus Brooks entered the police station at 12:07 a.m. His military bearing evident in his straight posture and measured steps. The front desk sergeant looked up from his computer, immediately noticing Marcus's confident demeanor.
"I'm here to see my wife, Angela Brooks. " Marcus stated firmly. "She was brought in earlier tonight on fabricated charges. " The sergeant's expression shifted from bored to wary. "Sir, visiting hours are over. You'll need to come back in the morning. " "This isn't a visit. I'm here about an illegal arrest, and unauthorized search of protected military family housing. " Marcus's voice remained calm, but carried the weight of authority.
"I want to speak with the commanding officer. That would be Captain Holt, the sergeant replied reaching for his phone. Perfect. Tell him Marcus Brooks is here. Navy SEAL currently assigned to special operations command.
He'll want to take this meeting. The sergeant's hand hesitated over the phone. Sir, I don't think Make the call, Marcus insisted. Unless you want to explain to federal investigators why you obstructed an inquiry into the civil rights violations. While the sergeant dialed, Marcus pulled out his own phone and called Diana Washington, a civil rights attorney he'd worked with before.
Diana, sorry for the late hour. I need you at the central district station. They've arrested Angela on false charges and conducted an illegal search. He listened briefly. Yes, Captain Holt is involved.