“No.”
“Can you explain what happened?”
She nodded.
“I provided my license, registration, and proof of insurance. Sergeant Voss claimed the vehicle was stolen, despite the documents matching the VIN.”
Briggs looked toward Voss.
“Is that accurate?”
Voss hesitated.
“I believed the registration was suspicious.”
Briggs frowned.
“Did dispatch confirm a stolen vehicle report?”
“No.”
“Then why are two windows broken?”
Voss looked down.
Camille spoke.
“He used his baton to strike them.”
Briggs stared at the damage.
Then he looked closely at Camille.
Something about her face seemed familiar.
He had attended a county transition meeting earlier that week.
A photograph had been displayed during the briefing.
A photograph of the incoming sheriff.
Briggs slowly removed his sunglasses.
“Ma’am?”
Camille looked toward him.
“Yes, Captain?”
He swallowed.
“Are you Camille Hayes?”
She nodded.
“I am.”
The captain’s expression changed completely.
For a moment, he seemed unable to speak.
Then he straightened.
“Ms. Hayes, I didn’t realize you would be in the county today.”
Voss looked confused.
Camille replied calmly.
“I was visiting family.”
Briggs turned toward Voss.
His face had gone pale.
“Sergeant, step away from the vehicle.”
Voss frowned.
“Captain, what’s going on?”
Briggs looked directly at him.
“That’s the incoming sheriff.”
Silence.
Voss stared at Camille.
The baton suddenly felt heavy in his hand.
“What?”
Briggs repeated the words.
“Camille Hayes. Your new sheriff. Her appointment becomes effective at midnight.”
Voss looked toward the shattered Bentley.
