Chapter 7 - The Commanding Officer
The heavy SUV skidded aggressively to a halt right in the middle of the secure military checkpoint.
Blinding searchlights immediately illuminated the wrecked vehicle from every possible direction.
A dozen heavily armed military police officers swarmed the car, pointing their assault rifles directly at the windshield.
"Step out of the vehicle with your hands raised!" a voice boomed loudly through a megaphone.
Margaret slowly pushed her door open, keeping her empty hands clearly visible in the harsh light.
"I am an investigator for the Department of Defense, and my daughter needs immediate medical attention!" Margaret shouted firmly.
Before the guards could lower their weapons, Ethan's heavily damaged truck screeched to a halt right behind them.
Ethan leaped out of his vehicle, waving his military identification badge frantically in the air.
"Arrest that woman immediately!" Ethan screamed, pointing a shaking finger directly at Margaret.
"She is a deranged civilian who kidnapped my pregnant wife and assaulted my mother!"
The military police officers hesitated, completely confused by the conflicting, chaotic orders.
A tall, incredibly imposing man wearing the stars of a Major General slowly walked out of the guardhouse.
It was General Vance, the highly respected commanding officer of the entire military installation.
Ethan immediately snapped to a perfect salute, his face dripping with fake, desperate sweat.
"Sir, this woman broke into my home and tried to murder my family," Ethan lied flawlessly.
General Vance looked at Ethan, then turned his cold, calculating gaze toward the bleeding woman in the passenger seat.
He saw the horrific, dark bruises covering Olivia's arms and neck in the bright floodlights.
Margaret slowly reached into her jacket and pulled out her federal investigator badge, presenting it to the General.
"Major Brooks is running a massive insurance fraud ring, and I have the recorded evidence to prove it," Margaret declared confidently.
She tapped her smartwatch, preparing to play the synchronized audio file for the entire squad to hear.
General Vance sighed heavily, adjusting his uniform collar with a look of profound, terrifying disappointment.
"That is a very serious accusation, Investigator Carter," General Vance said quietly.
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He turned to the armed military police officers with a completely blank expression.
"Arrest Investigator Carter and her daughter for high treason and espionage."
