"These records have been independently preserved."
She lifted another folder.
"And this recording shows Officer Reigns communicating with store management before the alleged theft incident involving me even began."
Every head turned toward Reigns.
His face turned red.
"This is bullshit!"
He stood.
Denise didn't move.
Reigns stepped into the aisle.
"You're under arrest."
The room erupted.
"For what?" Denise asked.
"Interfering with an active investigation."
Two officers stepped between them.
Officer Chen raised his hand.
"Stand down, Reigns."
Reigns stared at him.
"Move."
"No."
Another officer stepped forward.
Then another.
Reigns looked around.
For the first time, he understood.
His badge no longer controlled the room.
State Attorney Patricia Walsh rose from her seat.
"Captain Carter."
Denise turned.
"I need copies of everything you have."
"They're ready."
Walsh looked toward Reigns.
Then toward the mayor.
"This matter is now under state review."
Wilson attempted to leave.
Investigators blocked the aisle.
Reigns shouted that everyone had been manipulated.
Nobody listened.
His duty weapon was secured.
He was escorted from the chamber.
Denise watched silently.
She didn't smile.
Accountability wasn't entertainment.
It was responsibility.
The Reckoning
The state investigation lasted months.
Search warrants produced internal emails.
Financial transfers.
Manipulated reports.
Falsified arrest documentation.
Communications between officers and Greenwood executives.
Evidence showed that certain security personnel and officers had repeatedly coordinated their actions.
But Denise insisted on something important.
"Don't call every arrest corrupt."
Investigators looked at her.