He checked the vehicle identification number.
Then compared it with the registration.
They matched.
Daniel Price watched from the patrol cruiser.
He had already requested a records check.
The preliminary information showed no stolen vehicle report.
But Voss was growing increasingly angry.
He returned to Camille.
“This registration looks suspicious.”
She glanced toward the document.
“What specifically?”
“The format.”
Camille nodded.
“Then verify it.”
Voss stepped closer.
“Don’t tell me how to do my job.”
Camille remained calm.
“Deputy, I am cooperating. I’m asking you to use the information available.”
He looked toward the Bentley.
Then back at her.
And suddenly, he made a decision that would become the defining mistake of his career.
He removed his baton.
Camille’s expression changed.
“Deputy, what are you doing?”
Voss raised the weapon.
“Teaching you a lesson.”
Then he struck the driver’s window.
Chapter 5: The Neighbors Who Saw Everything
The first crash brought people out of their homes.
Eighty-year-old Walter Jennings stepped onto his front porch.
He had lived on Magnolia Ridge Drive for thirty-six years.
He recognized Camille.
She had visited her aunt several times before.
He had even spoken with her earlier that afternoon.
When he saw Voss standing beside the Bentley with a baton, he was shocked.
“Officer!” Walter called. “What are you doing?”
Voss turned.
“Sir, go back inside.”
Walter stared at the broken glass.
“That’s her car!”
Voss pointed toward the house.
“Stay out of this.”
Walter didn’t move.
“She’s visiting her aunt. I know her.”
Camille looked toward him.
“Thank you, Mr. Jennings.”
Voss turned back toward her.
“Don’t encourage people to interfere.”
Across the street, a young woman named Rachel Moore stepped onto her porch.
She had heard the breaking glass.
Now she began recording.
