The mens rea, the discriminatory intent required for a civil rights violation." Drummond closed his notepad with a definitive snap. "Thank you, Officer Reed. Your cooperation has likely saved your career tonight. However, you will still be facing a thorough interview tomorrow morning at the field office regarding your failure to intervene."
Reed nodded vigorously, looking relieved he wasn't leaving the precinct in handcuffs himself. "Bring Colter in." Drummond ordered his agents. A moment later, Vance Colter was escorted into the captain's office. The swaggering arrogant cop who had terrorized Elena on the side of the highway was gone.
In his place was a defeated pale man who looked like he had suddenly aged years. He saw the FBI windbreakers. He saw Elena sitting comfortably at the captain's desk, and he saw his entire life unraveling before his eyes. "Vance Colter." Drummond said, standing up to his full height.
"I am Special Agent Drummond with the FBI. You are currently the subject of a federal criminal investigation regarding violations of federal law. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a federal court of law." Colter's knees buckled slightly.
He reached out to grab the back of a chair to steady himself. "Federal court? Wait, wait. Look, I made a mistake. I admit it.
It was a bad call. It was dark. It was raining. The tags looked suspicious. I'm sorry, Ms. Whittaker.
I am deeply sorry." Elena stood up. She walked around the desk until she was standing just a few feet away from the man who had shoved her against her own car. "You aren't sorry that you profiled me, Colter." Elena said, her voice quiet but carrying an immense heavyweight.
"You aren't sorry that you violated your oath or that you assaulted a citizen. You're only sorry because you pulled over someone who has the power to destroy you. You thought I was just another person you could bully into submission. You thought you were the apex predator on that dark road." Coulter couldn't look her in the eye.
He stared at the floor, a single bead of sweat rolling down the side of his face. "Karma," Elena continued, stepping even closer, "is a remarkably efficient concept, officer. You built your career on intimidating the vulnerable, and now you're going to spend the rest of your life answering to the very justice system you mocked." "Agent Drummond," Elena said, turning slightly, "please remove this man from my sight." Drummond nodded to his agents.