Judge Sterling turned around, his expression turning colder than ice as he glared at the officer. The mayor stepped forward, addressing the gathered crowd and the news cameras that had just begun rolling.
"Attention everyone," Mayor Davis announced, his voice echoing through the atrium. "We gathered here today for an official press conference, which was supposed to take place in the briefing room. But given the circumstances, there is no better time to make this introduction."
The mayor gestured toward Evelyn, who stepped up beside him with complete authority.
"After a rigorous six-month national search," Mayor Davis continued, "it is my honor to introduce the new Police Chief of our city—Dr. Evelyn Vance. Chief Vance brings over two decades of distinguished service in federal law enforcement, public safety reform, and executive leadership."
A collective gasp rippled through the hallway. Officers who had been standing by in silence turned pale.
Miller’s jaw dropped. The color drained entirely from his face, and his hands began to tremble subtly at his sides. The woman he had just insulted, physically assaulted, and accused of being a nobody was now his ultimate superior—the highest-ranking law enforcement officer in the entire city.
Chief Vance looked directly at Miller, her dark eyes piercing through his defense. "Officer Miller," she said calmly, her voice carrying absolute command. "Hand over your badge and your service weapon to Officer Cole immediately."
"Chief... I—I didn't know—" Miller stuttered, his voice cracking as panic set in. "If I had known who you were—"
"And that is precisely the problem," Chief Vance interrupted firmly. "Your level of respect, professionalism, and restraint should not depend on who you think someone is. You treated a citizen with violence and contempt simply because you believed they had no power. That behavior ends today."
Officer Cole stepped forward immediately, his face resolute. "Sir," Cole said to Miller, holding out his hand. "Your badge and gun."