Chapter 13 - Fractured TiesThe dawn arrived not with sunshine, but with a quiet, pearlescent haze that turned the falling snow to soft silver dust. State police cruisers and federal black sedans filled the perimeter of the rail yard, red and blue lights flashing rhythmically against the icy walls of the locomotives.
Julian stood beside Noah Vance near the hood of the patrol car. A federal prosecutor was taking statements across the lot.
"Marcus will be transferred to a federal penitentiary in Colorado," Noah stated, handing Julian a property receipt for the recovered ledgers. "He won't see daylight for thirty years. The syndicate’s shipping network collapsed overnight."
"And your precinct?" Julian asked.
Noah touched the bruise on his cheek with a faint smile. "Internal affairs is going through the command staff with a fine-tooth comb. The dirty cops who leaked the convoy route are already in zip ties. It’s clean now, Julian."
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Julian extended his hand. "You risked everything, Vance. You could have stayed at the precinct and claimed you were out of range."
Noah took Julian’s hand, gripping it firmly. "A badge doesn't mean anything if you leave a mother and child in a ditch. Go home, Julian. Take care of your family."
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