Chapter 5 - The Trap ClosesRichard spun around sharply.
Standing in the open doorway was Dr. Amelia Shaw, flanked by two State Trooper investigators wearing navy blue dress uniforms, and a woman in a sharp gray suit holding an official court briefcase.
The woman in the suit stepped into the room, pulling a gold credential badge from her jacket.
"Detective Richard Dixon," the woman spoke flatly. "I am Assistant District Attorney Catherine Mercer from the Special Victims Unit."
Richard’s face paled slightly, but he squared his shoulders, pulling his coat back to display his detective's badge. "Counselor, I'm simply conducting an interview with my family members—"
"This room is under an emergency protective order issued by Judge Marcus Vance at twelve o'clock today," ADA Mercer interrupted cleanly. "You were officially served with a conflict-of-interest notice three hours ago barring you from any involvement in the investigation of Gareth Dixon."
She held up a small, sleek digital recording device that Dr. Shaw had been holding near her lapel.
"Furthermore, Detective Dixon," ADA Mercer continued, a cold, victorious smile touching her lips, "this room is under active federal audio surveillance. Every word of your threat regarding evidence tampering, state line group homes, and coerced retractions has just been broadcast directly to the Internal Affairs Bureau."
Richard went paper-white. His eyes darted frantically from the state troopers to the digital recorder in Dr. Shaw’s hand.
"You... you set a wire on me?!" Richard gasped.
"You stepped into a hospital room to threaten two abused minors under my care, Detective," Dr. Shaw said, her hazel eyes burning with absolute, uncompromising disdain. "Did you really think I wouldn't have a microphone ready?"
The two State Troopers stepped forward, their heavy leather boots clicking loudly against the linoleum floor.
"Detective Richard Dixon," the lead trooper declared, "you are relieved of your duties pending an immediate Internal Affairs investigation for felony witness intimidation, obstruction of justice, and official misconduct. Surrender your sidearm and badge immediately."
Richard thrashed his head back, looking at me standing near the window.
I didn't yell. I didn't smile. I simply raised my misshapen wrist, pointing my finger directly at his face.
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"Your brother thought he was smart too, Detective," I whispered softly. "It runs in the family."
Richard let out a dark, strangled curse as the troopers unclipped his sidearm from his belt, stripped his badge from his leather coat, and escorted him out of the pediatric wing under guard.
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