Suddenly, the cruiser's radio loudspeaker blasted a sharp, triple-tone priority emergency alert that shattered the quiet of the highway.
"All units, all units. Immediate mandatory Code Black on Unit 12. Surrender service weapons and hold position. Repeat: Code Black."
Vance froze in place. The smug grin was wiped clean from his face as the blood drained from his cheeks.
Down the long stretch of highway, the roar of high-performance engines tore through the countryside.
Four unmarked black interceptors and the State Police Commander’s tactical SUV swerved onto the gravel shoulder at ninety miles per hour, completely boxing in Vance’s patrol cruiser with flashing red and blue strobe lights.
State Commander Miller and four armed Internal Affairs agents leapt from their vehicles, marching with unyielding fury straight toward Vance.
"Vance, keep your hands off your weapon and get down on your knees!" Commander Miller bellowed.
"Commander! What is this?!" Vance stammered in absolute terror, his voice cracking. "I just conducted a routine stop on an expired farm truck—"