chapter256

"That's not a problem. We'll get a doctor to check her now. It's crucial to move forward with the case," Ashton said, all business.

Miranda looked trapped. But..... my daughter hurt her back. She really can't be moved."

Emilio raised an eyebrow. "But I just saw her sit up by herself."

Ashton nodded. And I saw her playing games on her tablet.

Miranda's legs nearly gave out. Back when her brother was around, she always walked through the Fifth Precinct with her head high, fearless. As long as he was there, she could do whatever she wanted and never had to worry about consequences.

Now everything had changed. Her brother was arrested, and all her confidence had vanished.

Louise, hearing that she might have to get checked out, instantly tossed her tablet aside. She looked annoyed. "Officer, I thought you were just going to take my statement. Why do I need a medical exam? It's such a hassle. I don't want to do it."

Ashton looked at her. "But if we don't do the exam, how can we know you were really hurt?"

Louise blinked at him, her face all innocence. Didn't you already take that girl to the station? Why not just charge her? Isn't that how this usually goes?"

"Louise, stop talking!" Miranda snapped, stomping her foot in frustration.

She only had one daughter. She'd spoiled her since she was little and could barely bring herself to even scold her. But right now, she honestly thought her daughter couldn't be more stupid.

"Mom, why are you freaking out? Am I not allowed to say anything?" Louise huffed, clearly upset.

Ashton and Emilio exchanged a glance. "Is this how your uncle usually runs things?" Ashton asked.

Louise was about to nod, but Miranda couldn't take it anymore. She turned to the officers, almost pleading. "Officers, she's just a kid. She doesn't know what she's talking about. You can't take her word for it. Her back is really bad. Can't we do the exam tomorrow and give you the results then?"

If the police weren't around, faking a report would have been a piece of cake.

But Ashton and Emilio saw right through her.

"That won't work, ma'am. We need to be present for the exam to make sure everything is fair and by the book," Ashton said.

"Let's call the doctor now. We need the results before we head back," Emilio added.

Miranda's panic really started to show. She tried again. "But my daughter can't move right now. Please, officers, can't we just do it tomorrow?"

Ashton smiled, letting go of all subtlety. "Are you worried she really can't move, or are you scared we'll find out she was never hurt in the first place?"

Miranda went pale and swayed on her feet. "No... that's not it..."

"Then why are you so afraid of the exam? Your daughter doesn't look hurt to me," Ashton said.

The weight of their stares was crushing. Miranda's legs gave out and she sank to the floor, her voice

breaking as she almost cried to

"What

do you want from us

We're just doing our jobs. If your daughter isn't injured, then both of you will need to come down to the station," Ashton replied.

That was when it finally hit Louise that something was seriously wrong. "Wait... you weren't sent by my uncle?"

Emilio looked at her. "You mean Allen?"

"That's right, Louise said, dread creeping into her voice.

Emilio didn't miss a beat. "He's been suspended and is under investigation for

abuse of power, corruption, taking bribes, and breaking the law."

It was like someone had flipped a switch. Louise froze, her mind blank.

Miranda looked completely

defeated. She never imagined that

the man who just called her, promising everything was under control would be under investigation and arrested only moments later.

Why? Why did this have to happen?

One thought kept running through Miranda's head. It's over.

She knew what her brother was like, knew about all the things he'd done that couldn't see the light of day. Now that he was being investigated, she knew it was all truly over?

At the same time, Connor was already racing over to the Fifth Precinct.