The anchor reported Deputy Clyde Faulner and four other members of the Morrison County Sheriff's Department face charges including kidnapping, human trafficking, civil rights violations, and the murder of a federal agent. The screen showed Faulner being led into the federal courthouse in shackles, his face bruised from their fight. Deputy Rusk followed, head down, shoulders slumped. Three other deputies Trina recognized from the department walked the same path of shame, all in cuffs. "The entire department has been placed under emergency federal authority," a Justice Department spokesperson announced from a podium.
"We have evidence of systematic corruption going back years. This case represents a complete failure of local law enforcement leadership." A nurse entered, checking Trina's vitals. Good to see you awake, Agent Daniels. You've had quite a few visitors waiting.
Before Trina could respond, two senior FBI officials walked in. Assistant Director Phillips from DC and the special agent in charge of the Kansas City field office. Agent Daniels, Phillip said, pulling up a chair. How are you feeling? Like I got hit by a truck, Trina replied, her voice raspy.
"But I'll live." We need to debrief you, the SAC said. But first, you should know we found the mole. Trina's heart rate picked up slightly inside the bureau. Phillips nodded grimly.
Senior analyst in our trafficking task force. He was feeding intel to Faulner's operation for months. That's how they knew to redirect resources away from your surveillance position. Faulner rolled on him fast once we had him in custody. the SAC added. Gave up names, dates, payment records, everything.
What about Monroe? Trina asked quietly. Phillips's face softened. His death won't be in vain. The evidence he gathered, combined with Officer Diaz's recordings and your live stream, it's bulletproof.
No deals, no reduced sentences. They're going away for life. As if on cue, the TV showed officer Diaz being escorted into the federal building surrounded by US marshals. The anchor explained he was providing key testimony under witness protection. A commotion in the hallway drew their attention.
Several families were arriving, guided by victim services coordinators. Trina recognized them from the missing person's files, parents of the girls she'd rescued. We'll continue this later, Phillips said, standing. You have some visitors who've been waiting to thank you. They left as a woman entered hesitantly.
Her eyes were red from crying, but she smiled through tears. Agent Daniels. I'm Sarah Mitchell. You saved my daughter, Emma. Trina remembered Emma, 14 years old, taken from a mall parking lot three months ago. one of the girls she'd found in that freezing storage unit.
Sarah gripped Trina's hand. The doctors say she'll recover. She's dehydrated, traumatized, but she's alive because of you. How is she? Trina asked softly.