Chapter 2: The Call That Changed Everything
They put me in the back of the patrol car.
Sienna was still filming through the window, mouthing "bye bye" at the camera.
I didn't look at her.
I looked at my phone — the one officer hadn't noticed in my jacket pocket.
One message.
From my deputy.
Three words.
*Package delivered.
Confirmed.*
I exhaled slowly.
At the station, the arresting detective — Harmon — dropped my file on the desk like he'd already won.
"Commander," he said, smiling at the title.
"That's a nice word for a fraudster."
"Check the folder under my name," I said.
"The sealed one."
He laughed.
"There is no sealed—"
The desk sergeant interrupted him.
"Harmon.
There's a call for you.
It's the Chief.
He sounds…
he doesn't sound good."
Harmon's smile didn't disappear all at once.
It faded, slowly, like he was only just understanding something.
He stepped away.
I watched his back stiffen as he listened.
When he returned, he didn't look at me.
He looked at the handcuffs.
Then at the sergeant.
"Get those off her," he said quietly.
My father was still in the waiting area when I walked out uncuffed.
He stood up, confused.
"What is happening?
Why is she—"
"Sir," the sergeant said.
"We need you to come with us."
Dad's face went pale.
May you like
Sienna's livestream was still running.
Every second of it.
