Chapter 22 - The Commander's Arrogance
Just after midnight, the harsh, blinding red and blue lights of three tactical police cruisers illuminated the dark street outside the safe house.
Commander Ruiz stepped out of the lead vehicle. He was a massive, imposing man, wearing a tactical vest and a holster strapped to his thigh. He walked up to the heavy iron gates with the arrogant, untouchable swagger of a man who believed the law did not apply to him.
"Open the gate!"
Ruiz roared, banging his heavy flashlight against the iron bars.
"I have a federal warrant for the arrest of a fugitive harboring a kidnapped child!"
Valeria walked out of the main building, stepping into the freezing night air. She did not wear a coat. She walked directly up to the gate, stopping just two feet away from the corrupt commander, separated only by the thick steel bars.
"You have absolutely no jurisdiction here, Commander,"
Valeria said, her voice entirely devoid of fear, echoing loudly in the quiet night.
"I am the law, you stupid bitch!"
Ruiz spat, his face twisting into an ugly, violent sneer.
"If you don't open this gate in ten seconds, my men are going to breach it with a battering ram, and I will arrest you for obstruction of justice!"
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"Are you going to arrest the news anchors, too?"
Valeria asked smoothly, a dangerous, victorious smile touching her lips.
