Chapter 3: Red Tape
The next morning, Arthur slammed the folder onto the mahogany desk of Director Hayes at the Federal Bureau.
""We have the drop house. We have the corrupt officer. We move now,"" Arthur demanded.
Hayes, an older man who played politics better than he played police work, sighed. ""Arthur, this evidence was obtained illegally by a minor. It won't hold up in court. And if we raid that house and find nothing, we trigger a war with the local precinct. We need time to build a legal wiretap.""
""Time?"" Arthur’s voice rose, his fist hitting the desk. ""Every hour we wait, another child is sold into the abyss. You’re choosing protocol over human lives.""
""I'm choosing the law, Arthur! Stand down. That is a direct order.""
Arthur walked out of the office, the heavy doors shutting behind him. He looked at the silver badge in his hand. It was supposed to be a shield for the innocent, but today, it felt like a shackle. When he returned to his car, Maya was waiting in the passenger seat. She read his face instantly.
May you like
""They said no,"" she guessed.
Arthur started the engine, his expression hardening into cold resolve. ""The Bureau said no. I didn't.""
