Careful what you wish for. Ma'am, Anthony said almost gently. Did you hear me?" she rounded on the officers and her voice found a register that scraped paint. I said, "Grab him. I am the caller.
I am the victim here. What is wrong with you two? Do your jobs." She jabbed her finger toward Grady's chest. "Now advancing on him. Do you know who I am?
I know your union president. I have the mayor's cell number. If this man is not in handcuffs in the next 30 seconds, I will have both of your jobs. Do you understand me? Both of your jobs?
Boil's mouth opened. Nothing came out because Bole had finally seen it, too. The gold shield in the calm man's hand, and his brain was performing the same three-step calculation his partners had. And arriving at the same cliff. The woman in coral was threatening to take their jobs.
To their faces, unless they handcuffed the one man in the county who actually could um Grady's voice came out careful, the way you talk near gas leaks. His hand rose very slowly toward the brim of his hat. I need you to lower your voice and step back. Excuse me. I am the taxpayer here, ma'am.
Do you have any idea who you called us out on? I don't care if he's the president of the barbecue association. Lindsay's laugh came out shrill. Triumphant. A woman certain.
She was one push from victory. He threatened me. His family is a nuisance and I want him gone. Todd, are you getting this? Every second, baby.
Good. She folded her arms and smiled at Grady. Beautiful as a magazine cover and twice as glossy. Now, somebody put some handcuffs on somebody or Monday morning I start making calls. Officer Grady looked at her for one long moment.
Then he looked past her at the man by the grill and asked the quietest question of his 19 years. Sir, may I y'all? She just told two officers she'll have their jobs to make them arrest the man who signs their jobs. The badge is still behind his back. He's letting her finish the whole speech.
Do not blink because the next 60 seconds are the most legendary thing I've ever written. Anthony Freeman nodded once and the hand came out from behind his back. Unhurried the way everything about him was unhurried and rose to shoulder height and fell open toward the street. Gold, heavy engraved, a shield with an eagle over it and four words running beneath it that rearranged the entire afternoon molecule by molecule. Chief of Police.