Chapter 6 - The Corrupt Intercept
Before Miller could mobilize his team, the breakroom door swung open. Two men in sharp suits stepped in, flashing badges that identified them as Child Protective Services, flanked by a uniformed NYPD officer. "We're here to take custody of the minor, Leo Penhaligon," the lead suit said, his voice cold and flat. Miller frowned, stepping in front of Leo. "CPS moves fast, but not this fast. The ink on my report isn't even dry yet." The uniformed officer, a man named Officer Jenkins, stepped forward, his hand resting casually on his service weapon. "Stand down, Detective. Orders from the Captain. The kid goes into state custody immediately."
Sarah noticed something chilling. The lead suit's eyes weren't looking at Leo with concern; they were scanning the room, looking at the backpack, looking for the green bag. He had the cold, dead eyes of a predator. Miller saw it too. He recognized Officer Jenkins as a guy with heavy gambling debts, a guy who was known to do favors for the right price. Victor Vance’s reach was terrifyingly long. "You're not taking him," Miller said, his voice dropping an octave, his hand hovering near his own holster.
"Don't be a hero, Miller," Jenkins warned, unclipping his holster. "Just hand over the kid." In a split second, chaos erupted. Miller didn't draw his gun; instead, he grabbed the heavy metal coffee pot from the counter and hurled it directly at Jenkins' face. Scalding coffee and shattered glass exploded. As Jenkins screamed and the fake CPS agents drew their weapons, Miller grabbed Sarah by the arm, who had already instinctively scooped Leo up into her arms. "Run!" Miller roared. They burst through the side door of the breakroom, sprinting down the employee corridor toward the rear loading dock. They were no longer just protecting a child; they were on the run from a corrupt system.
