"Perfect." The satisfaction in his voice seemed genuine. "Park in the west lot. I'll have officers securing the perimeter."
After the call ended, Immani and Mina spent the next hours preparing. They backed up files to multiple secure locations, arranged dead-man drops with the attorney, and mapped multiple exit routes from the annex. "Legal process might actually work this time," Mina said, packing her camera gear. "Maybe."
Immani checked her phone. Dozens more messages had arrived, each person sharing their own encounter with Pine Hollow's justice system. "But we do this exactly right. Everything documented, everything witnessed."
The sun began its descent, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Immani retrieved her sealed evidence files from a secure location while Mina tested her recording equipment one final time. "Ready?" Mina asked, shouldering her camera bag. Immani took a deep breath, feeling the familiar pre-mission focus settle over her.
"Let's go make it count." They drove separately toward the county administrative annex, Immani in her rig, Mina following at a discreet distance. The massive brick building stood silhouetted against the dying sun, its windows reflecting golden light. Several unmarked vehicles were already parked in the west lot, their official plates visible in the fading daylight.
The county administrative annex cast long shadows across the parking lot as Immani pulled in, her rig's headlights sweeping across rows of empty spaces. Sodium lamps buzzed overhead, their orange glow flickering like dying fireflies. Grant Huxley stood beside a dark sedan, his posture relaxed and professional. His suit jacket caught the uneven light as he raised a hand in greeting.
Immani performed her standard security scan before stepping down from the cab. Exits, cameras, sightlines. Three unmarked vehicles were positioned at strategic points around the lot. Their placement felt deliberate, almost tactical.
Mina parked her car at a careful distance, camera already recording. She gave Immani a subtle nod as she adjusted her lens. "Ms. Ree." Huxley's smile was practiced and warm as he extended his hand.
"Thank you for trusting the process. We'll handle this by the book." His handshake was firm but not aggressive. His eyes stayed locked on hers, radiating calm authority.
Everything about him suggested competence and control. "Let's start with the evidence documentation," he said, gesturing toward the building's side entrance. "Standard procedure requires us to—" Two state troopers emerged from the shadows, moving with synchronized purpose.
Their boots scraped against the asphalt as they flanked the truck. "We'll need to secure the vehicle first," one announced, already reaching for the door handle. "Safety protocols." "I haven't consented to any search," Immani said, her voice clear and steady.
"Do you have a warrant?" The troopers exchanged glances, then continued as if she hadn't spoken. One climbed into the cab while the other maintained position, hand resting casually on his weapon. "This is standard protective-custody procedure," Huxley explained, his tone reasonable but firmer now.
"We need to ensure there are no threats or contraband before processing your evidence." Mina stepped closer, phone raised. "I'm recording this interaction for documentation purposes." A third trooper materialized beside her, blocking her shot with his body.
"Ma'am, I need you to step back to a safe distance." "I'm press," Mina protested. "I have the right to—" "Back up," the trooper repeated, advancing until Mina was forced to retreat or make contact.