"Do it." The episode went live at exactly 10:00 a.m. For five minutes, silence. Then Mina's phone erupted with notifications.
Call after call poured in. Each person spoke their own piece of the larger puzzle. "I'm a waitress at the truck stop," one woman said, her voice trembling. "I've seen them plant things in people's vehicles during routine searches."
"They make sure we all watch." A man identifying himself as a former dispatcher spoke in hushed tones. "They trained us which calls to drop. Said it was about resource management, but it was always specific callers, specific situations."
Another driver reported, "They took everything. Said my paperwork was suspicious. Never saw my cargo again. Department claimed no record of the stop."
Immani documented each call meticulously, noting patterns, cross-referencing details. Outside the studio window, she watched people on the street pause at Sheriff Van's campaign banners. The bold words "Safety, Family, Faith" seemed to take on new meaning as passersby studied them with fresh eyes. "Look at this," Mina said, pointing to her screen.
An email had arrived from Judge Kitage's clerk, marked urgent. "The judge will hold an emergency hearing if we submit evidence through proper channels." "Forward that to the attorney," Immani said, pulling out her burner phone. She dialed the lawyer's number, putting it on speaker as Mina recorded.
"I'm ready to sign an affidavit," Immani stated once the connection was secure. "Full statement, all details, properly witnessed." "About time," the lawyer replied. "I've got a state investigator trying to reach you."
"Name's Grant Huxley. He's leading a task force on jurisdictional abuse patterns." As if on cue, Mina's office line rang. The caller ID displayed a state government prefix.
"This is Grant Huxley," a measured voice announced when Mina answered. "I need to speak with Immani Ree regarding the Pine Hollow incident." Immani gestured for Mina to put it on speaker. "I'm here, Mr. Huxley."
"Ms. Ree." His tone was professional but warm. "We've been monitoring similar complaints across three counties. Your evidence could tie several cases together."
"We can offer protective custody and a secure channel for evidence submission." He referenced specific case numbers, dates, operational details that matched Immani's research. Everything he said aligned with what they'd uncovered. "How do we proceed?" Immani asked, keeping her voice neutral despite the hope trying to take root in her chest.
"I'm at the county administrative annex," Huxley replied. "Secure office, clean chain of custody, everything by the book. We can meet at sunset, process your statement, and place you in protective custody before full dark." Immani muted the phone, turning to Mina.
"Thoughts?" "Sounds legitimate," Mina whispered. "But I'm following you with cameras rolling. No chances."
Immani unmuted. "Agreed, Mr. Huxley. Sunset at the annex. I'll bring the evidence and a witness."