Chapter 10: The Fallen Shield**
Agent Cross slowly lowered his head as the chaotic voices in his earpiece multiplied. The surrounding officers, regular metropolitan police who had simply answered a federal assist call, began lowering their weapons as they watched the horrifying revelations scroll across the lobby television screens behind them.
"We were just following the mandate, Thomas," Cross whispered, his voice stripped of all its previous arrogance.
"A mandate that profits off the suffering of children is not a law, Douglas," Holloway replied sternly. "It is a crime dressed in a suit."
One of the younger local officers stepped forward, looking at the broadcast, then at little Maya sleeping through the open door of Room 402, and finally at Cross.
"Sir," the young officer said, unclipping his radio. "State patrol is reporting massive protests gathering outside the federal building. We are being recalled to maintain public order."
Cross looked around the corridor. The authority he had wielded like a weapon only ten minutes ago had evaporated into thin air. He looked at Leo—the dirty, scruffy boy who had outplayed an entire federal task force with nothing more than courage and a plastic card.
"You won't get away with this forever, Holloway," Cross said, though even he knew the words were hollow.
"I don't need to get away with anything," Holloway said, turning his gaze toward the morning sun beginning to crest over the city skyline. "My work is finished."
Cross turned and walked toward the elevators, his men following in stunned silence.
As the elevator doors closed, Dr. Rossi collapsed onto a nearby plastic chair, letting out a long, trembling sob of relief.
Leo ran to Holloway, wrapping his arms tightly around the old man's waist. Holloway laid a warm, heavy hand on the boy’s messy hair.
May you like
"You kept the promise, Leo," Holloway said softly. "You kept the promise."
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