Chapter 7 - Hayes Speaks Out
Sterling frowned, visibly irritated by the interruption. ""Officer Hayes, this is internal gym administration. It doesn't concern your department's training protocol.""
""It concerns us when someone lies to our faces,"" Hayes said calmly, pulling a laminated badge from his pocket alongside an encrypted tactical phone. ""I didn't recognize her at first because she was working under task-force callsigns back then. But that seal isn't a dismissal mark. That’s a Class-Three whistle-blower protection code.""
The entire room seemed to hold its breath. Marcus’s smug expression began to unravel around the edges.
Hayes tapped his phone screen and held it out toward Sterling. ""Captain Thorne exposed three high-ranking instructors selling tactical night gear to black-market dealers across the border. Internal Affairs sealed her entire dossier because two of those instructors are still awaiting federal sentencing. She didn't get kicked out. She put away half the corrupt brass in the western sector.""
Sterling looked down at the tablet, his eyes darting rapidly across the text. His expression shifted from righteous authority to profound embarrassment.
""Furthermore,"" Hayes continued, looking straight at Marcus, ""I'd really like to know who pulled this unredacted document from a secured state database and forwarded it to your board fifteen minutes ago. Because whoever did that just committed a federal felony.""
Marcus took an involuntary half-step back, his boots squeaking against the edge of the mat. His hand was trembling slightly against his thigh.
Master Vance stepped forward, his eyes boring into Marcus like daggers. ""Marcus. Give me your phone.""
""Master Vance, I didn't—I don't know what he's talking about—"" Marcus stammered, his voice rising in panic.
May you like
""Give me the phone. Right now,"" Vance repeated, his voice dangerously low.
Marcus reached slowly into his pocket, his face pale as chalk. But instead of handing the device over, his fingers gripped it tight, and his gaze flicked toward the back fire door.
