CHAPTER 7 — THE DETECTIVE THEY DECLARED DEAD
The city woke to terrifying breaking news.
"Detective Marcus Hale Killed in Late-Night Shootout."
Every television station aired the same story.
A burned police vehicle had been found near the river.
Inside was a body carrying Marcus's badge.
The department held a moment of silence.
Captain Richard Lawson stood before dozens of reporters.
"We have lost one of our finest officers."
The cameras captured his solemn expression.
Only one person knew it was a lie.
Marcus Hale.
He was very much alive.
Hidden inside an abandoned mountain cabin, Marcus stared at the news in disbelief.
An elderly mechanic named Frank had pulled him from the river after the chase.
"You've got powerful enemies," Frank said quietly.
Marcus nodded.
"They've already buried me."
Frank handed him a small metal box.
"I found this inside your jacket."
Marcus opened it.
Inside was a tiny microSD card.
Not the missing flash drive.
The memory card from his body camera.
His heart raced.
He inserted it into an old laptop.
The recording began.
The first few minutes showed the station hallway.
Then...
Captain Lawson's voice echoed clearly.
"Move Carter to Warehouse Nine."
Marcus froze.
Warehouse Nine?
The recording continued.
Another voice answered.
"What if Detective Hale figures it out?"
Lawson laughed.
"He won't live long enough."
Marcus clenched his fists.
For the first time...
He had undeniable proof that someone inside the police department had orchestrated everything.
But before he could celebrate...
The laptop suddenly displayed a new message.
WE KNOW WHERE YOU ARE.
The webcam light turned on by itself.
Outside...
Headlights slowly appeared through the cabin windows.
May you like
Marcus whispered,
"They found me..."
