flash
Ms. Parker’s blue folder didn’t contain a simple detention slip or a standard behavioral report. As she unclasped the metal fastener, a set of high-gloss photographs and legal-grade documents spilled slightly over the edges. Beside her, Assistant Principal Vance looked as though he were about to throw up into the nearest trash can. / Chapter 5 / 8

Chapter 5 - THE CELLBLOCK REALITYBy 6:00 p.m., the holding cell at the 4th Precinct was cold, smelling of stale bleach and metallic rust.

Daniel was sitting on a hard concrete bench, still wearing his varsity jacket. The confidence that had defined him for years had completely evaporated. His phone had been confiscated, his expensive sneakers had their laces removed, and the guards didn't care who his father was.

"Hey, kid," the officer at the desk called out, tapping the metal bars with a key ring. "You got a visitor."

Daniel jumped up, hope surging in his chest. "Is it my dad? Did he bring the lawyers?"

"Not quite," the officer grunted, unlocking the heavy door to the visitation room.

Daniel burst into the room, expecting to see his father's high-priced legal team ready to process his bail. Instead, sitting behind the thick acrylic partition was Emma. She was wearing a simple grey hoodie, her face completely serene.

"Why are you here?!" Daniel slammed his fists against the partition. "Did you come to laugh at me?! My dad is going to sue you and your entire family into the ground! You ruined my life over a stupid instrument!"

Emma picked up the intercom phone. Daniel hesitated, then violently ripped his receiver off the wall hook.

"Your father isn't coming, Daniel," Emma said, her voice smooth and unbothered.

"What are you talking about? He’s the most powerful man in this county!"

"He was," Emma corrected. "He was arrested two hours ago at the school district headquarters. Racketeering, bank fraud, and grand larceny. Your house has been seized. Your cars are being towed right now."

Daniel’s breath caught in his throat. "You're lying... You're a dirty liar!"

"Check your status when you get out," Emma continued gently. "Oh, wait. You won't be getting out. The prosecutor just upgraded your charges. Because the guitar contained irreplaceable primary evidence in an active federal investigation, destroying it counts as evidence tampering and obstruction of justice."

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