“I am calm.”

Reed nodded.

“I believe you.”

Brooks looked sharply at Reed.

“Officer Reed.”

“Yes, sir?”

“Go check the patrol vehicle.”

Reed hesitated.

“Why?”

“Just do it.”

Reed walked away.

Walter watched him.

Then he looked at Brooks.

“You don't trust him.”

Brooks frowned.

“What?”

“You sent him away because you don't want him hearing this conversation.”

“That is enough.”

Brooks reached for his radio.

Walter's phone rang again.

Emily.

This time, Walter answered.

“Dad.”

“I'm here.”

“I've sent someone to your location.”

“Who?”

“Someone who can help.”

Walter looked toward the road.

A vehicle was approaching in the distance.

Not a police car.

A dark government sedan.

Brooks noticed it too.

His posture changed.

He looked toward the approaching vehicle.

Then he looked at Walter.

For the first time, Walter saw genuine uncertainty on his face.

The sedan stopped behind the patrol cars.

A man stepped out.

He wore a dark suit.

He walked calmly toward them.

“Mr. Hayes?”

Walter nodded.

“Yes.”

The man showed identification.

“My name is Daniel Mercer. I'm with the federal investigative division.”

Brooks immediately stepped forward.

“This is a local matter.”

Mercer looked at him.

“Not anymore.”

Walter felt a wave of relief.

But Mercer didn't smile.

Instead, he looked directly at the dashboard camera.

Then he said:

“Mr. Hayes, is that camera recording?”

Walter nodded.

“Yes.”

“Good.”

Mercer turned toward Brooks.

“Because we're going to need the footage.”