They headed straight for the clerk's office. "This is a fishing expedition. " Kerns protested. "You can't just "We can and we are. " Torres replied calmly. "We have probable cause linking your department to multiple civil rights violations, evidence tampering, and conspiracy to commit land fraud. The mineral rights alone. " "I want my lawyer. " Pike suddenly shouted.
"That would be wise. " Torres agreed. "You'll both need good attorneys. We've uncovered quite an extensive paper trail of kickbacks, Mr. Commissioner. The governor's office is particularly interested in those offshore accounts. " The marshals began methodically removing Elijah's restraints.
He stood slowly, rubbing his wrists. Through it all, his expression remained neutral, but his eyes never left Kerns's face. Deputy Mercer stepped forward. "Sir, I have documentation you might want to see. Records of patrol assignments to properties that later burned. " Kerns whirled on him.
"You little traitor! " "Thank you, Deputy. " Torres interrupted. "We'll need to speak with you formally. Your cooperation will be noted. " More agents streamed in from the clerk's office. Their boxes now filled with files and hard drives. One carried a laptop clearly marked as belonging to Commissioner Pike.
"This is all a mistake. " Pike stammered. "Those zoning changes were completely legitimate. The mineral rights surveys were conducted months before the fires began. " Torres stated. "Interesting timing. Even more interesting that your signature appears on both the surveys and the subsequent property transfers to Magnolia Crest.
Ruth Ann's livestream counter ticked past 10,000 viewers. The local news crews pushed closer, capturing every moment of Kerns's visible unraveling. Mr. Boone, Torres turned to Elijah. You're free to go.
We'll need to speak with you later about the surveillance data you provided, but for now, you can return home. Elijah nodded once, his movements still measured and calm. He turned toward the exit, pausing briefly beside Kerns. The sheriff's face twisted. You think you've won?
This ain't over. Sheriff Kerns, Torres cut in sharply. I strongly suggest you exercise your right to remain silent. You'll have plenty to explain as it is. Federal agents continued their systematic sweep of the courthouse offices.
Every file cabinet, every computer, every archived record was being boxed and logged. Through the windows, more federal vehicles could be seen arriving in the parking lot. The morning sun had climbed higher now, harsh light flooding the courtroom. It caught the drops of sweat beading on Commissioner Pike's forehead, the tremor in Kerns's hands as he pulled out his phone to call his lawyer. Cartons of seized records formed a growing wall near the courtroom doors.
Each box was carefully labeled and sealed with evidence tape, holding years of hidden corruption within their cardboard confines. The gleaming glass facade of Magnolia Crest Development Group's headquarters reflected the midday sun like a mirror. Inside the top-floor executive suite, paper shredders whined at full capacity as accountants rushed to destroy evidence. Special Agent Dana Ruiz adjusted her tactical vest, signaling her team. FBI, federal agents.