Chapter 6 - THE TROJAN HORSE AT THE PRECINCTThe central Detroit police precinct looked deceptively calm at 6:15 AM. The rain had slowed to a steady, depressing drizzle, slicking the concrete steps outside the imposing granite building. A municipal sanitation truck idled near the rear delivery alley, its amber hazard lights blinking rhythmically against the gray dawn.
Inside the bullpen, little Lily was fast asleep on a makeshift cot constructed from three office chairs pushed together, an oversized police jacket draped over her tiny shoulders like a heavy quilt. Two-year-old Leo was resting quietly in a makeshift crib made from a supply bin, clutching an empty water bottle.
At the front desk, Officer Jenkins was half-asleep over a cup of bitter black coffee when the heavy glass security doors swung open.
A tall man in an immaculate gray trench coat walked in. He wore a wide-brimmed hat that shadowed the upper half of his face, his hands tucked deep into his pockets. He didn't look like a criminal; he looked like a federal prosecutor or a high-ranking city official.
“Morning. Can I help you with something, sir? Public lobby doesn't open for another hour,” Jenkins muttered, not bothering to look up from his computer screen.
“I’m here to pick up a custody transfer,” a calm, chillingly smooth voice replied. “Case file 88-Vance. I’m special investigator Sterling, federal oversight.”
Jenkins blinked, finally looking up. “Federal? We didn't receive any transfer paperwork on a federal custody hold. Let me see your credentials, sir.”
The man in the trench coat smiled—a cold, humorless upward curve of his lips. He pulled his right hand out of his pocket.
He wasn't holding a badge. He was holding a suppressed Glock 19.
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Before Jenkins could even reach for his holster, a muffled thud echoed across the quiet lobby. Jenkins slumped forward over the counter, a red bloom spreading across his uniform shirt.
Marcus Vance stepped over the turning gate, his gray eyes scanning the empty hallways with absolute, chilling precision. He had won the first round outside, but the game ended here.
