She had spent seventeen years working inside the justice system.
She understood that legitimate arrests required more than an officer’s irritation.
But she also knew that arguing with three armed deputies in an empty garage could make the situation worse.
So she remained calm.
And waited.
Because the GBI team was already expecting her.
Chapter 8: The Two SUVs
At 6:01 p.m., the first black SUV entered the garage.
A second followed.
Voss looked toward the ramp.
“Somebody called for an audience.”
Mercer laughed.
Luke said nothing.
The vehicles stopped.
Special Agent Lena Ortiz stepped out with a small evidence case.
District Attorney Marion Price followed.
Marion looked toward Camille.
Her expression hardened immediately.
“Who authorized this arrest?”
Voss attempted to explain.
He claimed Camille was trespassing.
He claimed her identity was unverified.
He claimed she had interfered with a security operation.
Marion listened.
Then asked the question again.
“Who authorized the arrest?”
Voss glanced toward Mercer.
Neither answered.
Lena approached the scattered documents.
“Those papers need to be preserved.”
Mercer stepped away from the Lexus.
“Ma’am, we’re handling an investigation.”
Lena displayed her credentials.
“So are we.”
She looked toward Camille.
“Are you injured?”
“My wrists hurt.”
Marion turned toward the deputies.
“Remove the handcuffs and have a supervisor respond.”
Voss hesitated.
“We still need to establish—”
Marion interrupted.
“Then establish it through the proper procedures.”
A uniformed supervisor accompanying the GBI team stepped forward.
The custody issue was reviewed.
Camille’s identity was confirmed.
Her authorization to use the garage was verified.
And the supposed security violation began collapsing under basic questioning.
Finally, the handcuffs were removed.
Camille rubbed her wrists.
Lena noticed the marks.
