After Victor passed out upstairs, I unlocked a drawer containing my old investigator’s badge, years of documentation, and the direct number of Chief Adrienne Bell.

When she answered, I told her I finally had enough proof. Assault, witness tampering, bribery, and corruption were all captured on video.

Before dawn, I prepared an elaborate breakfast while Chief Bell and two Internal Affairs detectives quietly arrived through the garden entrance.

As croissants baked and coffee brewed, we reviewed the evidence. After three years of humiliation, I wanted Victor’s downfall to happen in front of an audience-