Chapter 15 - The Broadcast
The automated transmission echoed off the stone pillars of the federal courthouse, cutting sharply through the wailing sirens of the local police cruisers.
“This is an emergency broadcast linked to the Federal Oversight Committee,” a crisp, automated voice announced from Savannah’s phone. “All local jurisdiction blocks are currently overridden by federal directive 88-B. Live audio and video streams of local unit interference are now being recorded and transmitted directly to the U.S. Attorney General’s office.”
The local officers rushing up the steps froze in their tracks. Their boots scraped against the wet granite as they stared at one another in sudden, blind panic. The institutional armor they had relied upon was instantly melting away.
“Don’t listen to that device! It’s an unauthorized spoof!” the lead local captain barked, though his voice cracked with unmistakable fear. “Seize the phone! Take them into custody now!”
Before the officers could lunge forward, the heavy oak doors behind us swung wide open. Two federal marshals stepped out onto the landing, their tactical shotguns lowered, flanking a tall man in a dark tailored suit carrying a secured leather briefcase.
“Stand down, Captain,” the man commanded, his voice carrying the chilling weight of absolute federal authority. “I am Special Agent Thomas from the Department of Justice. You are currently interfering with an active federal racketeering and corruption sting. Drop your weapons or face immediate federal arrest.”
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The local captain’s hand hovered nervously over his holster for a tense, agonizing second. Then, slowly, he raised his palms into the air and stepped back.
Savannah exhaled a long, shuddering breath, her knees wobbling slightly. I caught her by the waist, pulling her close against me as the tension of the past three years finally began to break.
