"Then you should have kept believing me."
Victoria finally spoke.
"Chief, you're making this much easier than you realize."
Coleman turned.
"What?"
Victoria pulled out her phone.
A red recording indicator was visible.
Coleman's expression changed.
"You recorded this?"
Victoria smiled faintly.
"Every word."
He looked toward Porter.
Then toward the entrance.
He suddenly understood.
The building wasn't empty.
The entire conversation had been transmitted to the federal team outside.
Coleman stepped backward.
"Turn that off."
Victoria shook her head.
"No."
"I said turn it off!"
"Chief, you're under investigation."
He looked furious.
"You have no idea who you're dealing with."
Victoria answered:
"I know exactly who I'm dealing with."
She stepped forward.
"A man who thought a badge made him untouchable."
Coleman looked toward the door.
Then came a loud voice.
"FEDERAL AGENTS! KEEP YOUR HANDS VISIBLE!"
The entrance filled with officers.
Marcus entered first.
Behind him came a team of federal investigators.
Coleman looked around.
His expression collapsed.
Victoria stood still.
"Richard Coleman, you're being detained pending federal charges. Do not attempt to interfere."
Coleman shook his head.
"This is a mistake."
Victoria looked at him.
"No."
She paused.
"This is accountability."
CHAPTER 11 — THE BADGE ON THE TABLE
The following morning, the story was everywhere.
Local news stations reported a major investigation involving police corruption, missing federal funds, and multiple officers accused of abusing their authority.
The department issued an official statement.
Several officers were suspended.
Others were placed on administrative leave.
Sergeant Walker was taken into custody for questioning.
Officer Collins was removed from active duty pending investigation.
Chief Coleman was facing a series of serious federal allegations.
And Northbridge Security Solutions was under a financial investigation.
But Victoria wasn't celebrating.
She sat alone in a conference room, looking at a photograph.
It showed her standing beside Porter outside the training facility.
He was recovering.
But he had made one decision that would change his career forever.
He had agreed to cooperate.
The door opened.
Marcus entered with two cups of coffee.
"You're still here?"
Victoria looked up.
"Apparently."
He placed one cup in front of her.
"How's Porter?"
"Stable."
"Good."
Marcus sat down.
"Collins requested a meeting."
Victoria looked at him.
"Why?"
"He wants to speak with you."
"About what?"
"He says he has information."
Victoria took a sip of coffee.
"Does he?"
"Apparently, he claims Walker was the one who instructed him to locate your vehicle."
Victoria nodded.
"That doesn't surprise me."
Marcus leaned forward.
"There's something else."
"What?"
"Collins says he didn't know who you were when he found the badge."
Victoria looked at him.
"That's believable."
Marcus frowned.
"Really?"
"Yes."
She put down her cup.
"I don't think Collins knew the full operation. He was useful because he was willing to follow instructions without asking questions."
"And Walker?"
"Walker knew more."
"And Coleman?"
Victoria looked toward the window.
"Coleman knew everything."
Marcus nodded.
Then he asked:
"Do you think Collins deserves another chance?"
Victoria considered the question.
"That's not my decision."
"But what do you think?"
She looked at him.
"I think accountability should be based on what someone actually did, not simply who they worked for."
Marcus smiled faintly.
"Fair enough."
He stood.
"Your meeting with Collins is scheduled for ten."
Victoria nodded.
"Thank you."
Marcus reached the door.
Then he turned around.
"Victoria?"
"Yes?"
"That thing you said on the highway."
She raised an eyebrow.
"What thing?"
"My job is dealing with dirty cops."
He smiled.
"That was quite an introduction."
Victoria almost laughed.
"I wasn't trying to make an introduction."
"What were you trying to do?"
She looked down at her badge.
"Remind him that the badge he was holding wasn't the only badge that mattered."
CHAPTER 12 — THE SECOND BADGE
At 10:03 a.m., Victoria entered the interview room.
Collins was already seated.
He looked completely different from the man she had encountered on the highway.
His uniform was gone.
His shoulders were slumped.
His hands rested on the table.
He looked tired.
Victoria sat opposite him.
"Officer Collins."
He looked up.
"Agent Hayes."
"How are you?"
He gave a bitter smile.
"Not very good."
Victoria placed a folder on the table.
"I understand you requested this meeting."
Collins nodded.
"I have information."
"About?"