Marcus stared.
"You're kidding."
Victoria shook her head.
"Apparently not."
The senator had publicly supported police reform, federal accountability, and anti-corruption initiatives.
He had also served on several committees overseeing law enforcement funding.
Marcus sat down.
"That would explain the political pressure."
Victoria nodded.
"And the sudden order to shut down the investigation."
Marcus looked at her.
"Do we have enough to connect him?"
"Not yet."
She opened another file.
"We have payments, communications, and authorization records. But we need something that proves he knowingly participated."
Marcus looked concerned.
"How do we get that?"
Victoria picked up her phone.
"By asking him."
Marcus frowned.
"You're going to contact a sitting senator?"
Victoria nodded.
"Yes."
"That's dangerous."
She gave him a small smile.
"Marcus, I've been told that quite a few times."
CHAPTER 14 — THE SENATOR'S INVITATION
The meeting was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. at a private office building in Washington.
Victoria arrived wearing a black business suit.
No leather jacket this time.
No visible badge.
Just a simple folder and a calm expression.
Senator Richardson was waiting inside.
He stood as she entered.
"Agent Hayes."
"Senator."
He offered his hand.
She shook it.
"Please, sit down."
Victoria took the chair opposite him.
Richardson smiled.
"I understand you've been conducting an investigation into several officers in Chicago."
"That's correct."
"Terrible situation."
"Agreed."
He folded his hands.
"How can I help?"
Victoria placed a document on the table.
"Do you recognize this company?"
Richardson glanced at it.
"Northbridge Security Solutions."
"Yes."
"I believe they have held several government contracts."
"That's correct."
Victoria placed another document beside it.
"Do you recognize this transaction?"
Richardson examined it.
His expression remained neutral.
"I see a payment."
"To a private account connected to your political fundraising network."
The senator looked up.
"That's a serious allegation."
"Yes."
"Do you have evidence?"
Victoria nodded.
"Some."
Richardson leaned back.
"Then perhaps you should present it through the appropriate legal channels."
Victoria smiled slightly.
"I intend to."
She placed a third document on the table.
It was an internal message.
The sender was Richard Coleman.
The recipient was Senator Richardson.
The message read:
The operation is secure. Walker has handled the street-level issues. Hayes is being monitored.
Richardson stared at the document.
For the first time, his expression changed.
"Where did you get this?"
Victoria didn't answer.
He looked at her.
"Agent, I think you should be careful."
Victoria nodded.
"I've been careful."
"You don't understand the consequences of making accusations against someone in my position."
She looked directly at him.
"I understand them perfectly."
Richardson lowered his voice.
"People have lost careers over less."
Victoria remained still.
"Then perhaps those people should have considered the consequences before participating in corruption."
Richardson stared at her.
Then he smiled.
A cold, controlled smile.
"You think you can take me down with a few documents?"
Victoria stood.
"No."
She closed her folder.
"I think you took yourself down."
The senator's smile disappeared.
Victoria continued.
"The documents are copies. The originals are already secured."
Richardson looked furious.
"You have no idea what you've started."
Victoria moved toward the door.
"Actually, Senator."
She turned around.
"I think I do."
She opened the door.
Two federal investigators were waiting outside.
Richardson stood.
"What's this?"
Victoria looked at him.
"An opportunity to answer some questions."
CHAPTER 15 — JUSTICE DOESN'T WEAR ONE UNIFORM
Six months later, the case was officially concluded.
The investigation resulted in multiple convictions, disciplinary actions, and major changes to the department's internal oversight procedures.
Chief Coleman was sentenced after being found guilty of federal corruption offenses.
Sergeant Walker pleaded guilty to several charges.
Collins cooperated with investigators and received a separate sentence based on his conduct and cooperation.
Northbridge Security Solutions was dissolved.
Senator Richardson resigned after the evidence against him became public.
And the department began reviewing hundreds of previously dismissed complaints.
One of those complaints belonged to a retired teacher named Margaret Lewis.
She had reported that an officer stole money from her vehicle during a traffic stop.
Her complaint had been dismissed.
The body-camera footage had disappeared.
The officer responsible had been protected by Walker.
Now, the case was reopened.
Victoria visited Margaret one afternoon.
The woman was sitting on her porch when she saw the black sedan approaching.