Chief Sterling collapsed to his knees right on the cold gravel, the exact same spot where Travis Boon was kneeling twenty feet away. The arrogance that had defined both men for decades was completely gone, replaced by the hollow, staring eyes of men who knew their lives were effectively over.
Agent Vance stepped forward, unholstering his handcuffs, and clicked them securely around Sterling’s wrists. "Richard Sterling, you are under arrest for federal racketeering, conspiracy, corruption, and treason against the United States."
As the agents led the disgraced Chief and Officer Boon toward the back of the armored Suburbans, Officer Melissa Crane stood near the fountain, staring at Zariah in utter shock. She didn't know whether to salute, apologize, or back away.
Zariah walked up to Melissa, offering a small, reassuring smile. "You did the right thing today, Officer Crane. When your partner stepped out of line, you tried to stop him. In a precinct full of rotten apples, you stayed human."
Melissa let out a breath she felt like she'd been holding for an hour. "I... I should have reported him months ago. I knew something was wrong, but I was terrified of Sterling."
"Fear is understandable," Zariah said gently. "Silence is what destroys people. But today, you spoke up. Your bodycam footage will serve as state evidence to exonerate innocent people Boon wrongfully arrested."
Zariah turned toward the coffee cart, where Leonard was leaning against his stainless-steel counter, looking overwhelmed. She walked over, resting her hand lightly on the cool metal.