Chapter 5 - The Missing Witness
The revelation hung heavy in the diner air.
Remotely deactivating city security cameras required high-level municipal access.
Marcus Vance was not just playing a media game.
He was utilizing corrupt officials to execute a flawless corporate assassination.
"If the cameras are dead, it's just my word against his," I said.
"And he has ten million followers willing to swear they saw me attack him."
Maya looked nervously out the diner window.
The crowd outside was growing larger, pointing at the diner and taking photos.
"They tracked your location from the live stream," she said.
"You need to leave before this turns into a riot."
"I need hard evidence first," I replied.
"Maya, you said you saw him hit my car on purpose."
"Will you sign a sworn affidavit right now?"
She hesitated, her fingers trembling against the coffee mug.
"I'm not the only witness," she finally said.
"There was a street sweeper working right next to your car."
"He was wearing a body camera required by the city union."
My eyes narrowed at this critical piece of information.
"Do you know his name?" I asked.
"Hector," Maya replied.
"He always takes his break at the alley behind this diner."
I stood up immediately and walked toward the kitchen doors.
I slipped out the back exit, avoiding the growing mob at the front.
The alley smelled of damp cardboard and stale rain.
I found the street sweeper's cart parked near the dumpsters.
The engine was still warm, but Hector was nowhere in sight.
I walked closer and noticed something on the wet pavement.
It was Hector's city-issued body camera, smashed to pieces.
Next to the shattered camera was a fresh pool of blood.
I heard the sound of heavy boots stepping onto the gravel behind me.
May you like
I turned around to find Chad's security team blocking the alley exit.
"Mr. Vance sends his regards," Jenkins said, raising a stun baton.
