Chapter IV: The State Convoy
Before Deputy Vance could utter a single word, the distant roar of sirens echoed across the valley.
Three unmarked black state pursuit cruisers and the County Sheriff's personal SUV sped around the bend at eighty miles per hour, kicking up clouds of dust as they boxed in the patrol car from the front and rear.
Sheriff Miller and two State Police commanders leapt from their vehicles with service weapons drawn, marching straight toward Deputy Vance.
"Vance, unbuckle your duty belt and place your hands on the hood!" Sheriff Miller roared.
"Sheriff! What is this?!" Vance stammered in panic, backing against the squad car door. "I just conducted a routine traffic stop on a speeder—"
"You just extorted General Frank Miller, State Director of Public Safety and Medal of Honor recipient," Sheriff Miller barked, stripping the badge from Vance's chest. "You are under arrest for official misconduct, grand theft, and armed extortion under color of authority."