Rebecca arranged for Amara to be examined by a medical professional and photographed by an investigator. The documentation was not intended to exaggerate her injuries. It was intended to establish exactly what had happened.
Amara's cheek was red and tender. Small pieces of food remained caught in her hair. Her blouse was stained beyond repair.
She described the sequence of events carefully.
She explained that she had been eating when Voss approached her, that he had thrown the plate into her face, and that he had slapped her after she challenged his conduct.
She also described the search of her handbag and the seizure of her phone.
Rebecca recorded each detail.
AGENT SHAW: "Did you threaten Sheriff Voss at any point?"
AMARA: "No."
AGENT SHAW: "Did you physically resist him?"
AMARA: "No. I asked him to identify the legal basis for detaining me."
AGENT SHAW: "Did he provide one?"
AMARA: "Not a specific offense. He repeatedly referred to an investigation without explaining what I had allegedly done."
Rebecca closed her notebook.
AGENT SHAW: "Thank you. We'll verify every part of the account independently."
Amara looked toward the station entrance.
AMARA: "The diner has surveillance cameras. The waitress witnessed the entire incident."
AGENT SHAW: "We have already identified the location. We'll contact the owner and request preservation of the original footage."
AMARA: "The waitress may be pressured."
AGENT SHAW: "We'll make sure she knows how to report any threats."
Meanwhile, Daniel Price was waiting at the federal courthouse.
He had spoken with security personnel and provided the information Martha had given him. He was now sitting in a small conference room with two officials, waiting for confirmation that Amara had been released.
His phone rang.
DANIEL PRICE: "Hello?"
AGENT SHAW: "Daniel, this is Special Agent Rebecca Shaw. Judge Whitlock is safe. We're with her now."
Daniel leaned forward.
DANIEL PRICE: "Is she injured?"
AGENT SHAW: "She has a visible injury to her face. We're documenting it and arranging medical evaluation."
DANIEL PRICE: "What happened?"
AGENT SHAW: "The sheriff assaulted her at a diner and detained her afterward. We are securing the evidence."
Daniel closed his eyes.
DANIEL PRICE: "I knew something was wrong."
AGENT SHAW: "You did the right thing by contacting the courthouse."
DANIEL PRICE: "Can I speak with her?"
Rebecca looked toward Amara.
AGENT SHAW: "One moment."
She handed over the phone.
AMARA: "Daniel."
DANIEL PRICE: "Judge Whitlock. Are you all right?"
AMARA: "I'm safe. Don't worry."
DANIEL PRICE: "I was calling you for nearly an hour. I contacted the diner as soon as I found the location."
AMARA: "I know. Martha told me someone had called."
DANIEL PRICE: "I'm glad you are safe."
AMARA: "Thank you. I need you to preserve the documents we were reviewing this morning. Do not make any changes to the files, and do not send them outside the authorized channels."
DANIEL PRICE: "Understood."
AMARA: "Also, prepare a timeline of my movements today. Include the time I left the courthouse and the messages I sent before arriving at the diner."
DANIEL PRICE: "I'll do that."
AMARA: "And Daniel?"
DANIEL PRICE: "Yes?"
AMARA: "Make sure Martha Ellis is not left alone to deal with this."
DANIEL PRICE: "I'll contact the appropriate people."
Amara returned the phone to Rebecca.
The federal agent listened briefly, then ended the call.
Back at the station, Voss was becoming increasingly agitated.
He walked into his office and closed the door.
His phone showed several missed calls from Thomas McAllister.
He called back.
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "What happened?"
SHERIFF VOSS: "The federal agent is here."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "How many?"
SHERIFF VOSS: "Three, maybe more. They're asking questions about the detention."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "What did you tell them?"
SHERIFF VOSS: "Nothing important."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Did you mention Northbridge?"
SHERIFF VOSS: "No."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Did she?"
Voss looked through the glass.
SHERIFF VOSS: "She hasn't said anything about it."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Then keep it that way."
SHERIFF VOSS: "They may want to examine my office."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "You told me the records were secure."
SHERIFF VOSS: "They are."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Then don't panic."
SHERIFF VOSS: "You don't understand. This is a federal judge."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "I understand exactly what this is. You need to stop talking and let me handle the other side."
Voss frowned.
SHERIFF VOSS: "What other side?"
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "The people who can help us."
SHERIFF VOSS: "You said this was under control."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "It was under control until you decided to create a scene in a public restaurant."
Voss's face tightened.