Page 61 of Pulse

“So, what we have here is your officers claiming my client was speeding and violently resisting, and my client claiming that is a lie.”

“I’m sure you’re aware criminals lie all the time,” the sergeant said in a condescending tone.

Screw him. “I wasn’t finished speaking. The way I see it, this can be resolved in minutes. I’d like to see the body cam footage.”

Newton, who stood by the door, froze. His eyes widened for a fraction of a second before he again schooled his features.

Busted.

The sergeant didn’t have such an obvious tell, but even he shifted, and his gaze narrowed. “You know we do not have to produce that for you at this time.”

“But you have it, right? I mean, there were six officers on the scene. You should have an abundance of footage showing how aggressive my client was and how he forced your officer’s hand. How they had no choice but to tase him and, from the look of his clothes, kick him.”

She swallowed down the bile that crept up at the thought of him being kicked by boots while defenseless from the tasing.

The sergeant cleared his throat. “Ma’am, I don’t have to—”

“And, of course, there is dash cam footage documenting the extremely high rate of speed my client was traveling at. Well, gentlemen, it looks like there’s not much I can do with such strong evidence of my client’s unlawful behavior. I guess we’ll be seeing you in court. We can review the footage there.”

Newton mumbled something.

“I’m sorry. What was that?”

“There was an issue with the cameras.”

“There was?” She snapped. “Oh shoot. Well, lucky for you, five other officers were on the scene. Unless…” She placed a hand over her chest and gasped. “Wait, you’re not saying all the cameras had technical issues, are you? So, there’s not a single shred of evidence beyond the bruises and cuts on my client to show what happened tonight? Oh, no. What rotten luck.”

Pulse snickered while the sergeant compressed his lips and folded his arms across his broad chest as though his size and stature would intimidate her.

Please, she ate brutes like him for lunch.

“State your point, ma’am.”

“My point, gentlemen, is that you clearly think I’m stupid if you plan to convince me all the body cameras stopped working at the same time, the exact moment of my client’s arrest. More likely, your officers turned off their cameras because they didn’t want any record of the abuse against my client. If he is not released at once, I will be filing a motion for adverse inference as well as a dismissal of all charges with prejudice. In case you don’t know, it’s a motion for the judge to infer that since the camera footage is magically unavailable, it would show something unfavorable toward your side. From there, dismissal would be almost guaranteed. After that, I’ll be filing charges of unlawful arrest, assault, and infringement on my client’s civil rights. Now, since the feds have not provided you with any charges, you cannot hold him based on their request to speak to him. My card is in his file. The federal agents may call me to set up a time to meet with us when they arrive.”

No one spoke. The room filled with tension and rage, but finally from the cops instead of her or Pulse. She had them, and they knew it. They could push it and risk not only the case being tossed out but a lawsuit. One she’d be sure to win. Heads would roll if it went that far.

Ah, how she loved victory.

“Well, shit, boys, that’s gotta be the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen. I’m feeling a whole lot better about this situation. How ‘bout you?” Pulse grinned up at the cops.

Talia’s face heated, but it had nothing on Newton’s. He’d turned an unhealthy shade of purple and practically vibrated in his boots. If he were a cartoon, smoke would be rising from his ears.

“Officer Newton, please remove Mr. Vargas’ handcuffs.” The sergeant spoke through clenched teeth as though it pained him to give the order.

Talia bit her lip to keep from smirking. Pulse, on the other hand, didn’t bother with restraint. He grinned as big as she’d ever seen him, taunting Newton and his sergeant.

The officer huffed and spluttered before he walked over, shaking his head. He unlocked the handcuffs with murder in his eyes.

“Mr. Vargas, you are free to go,” the sergeant said. If you do not answer when the federal agents call you tomorrow, tonight will seem like a fantasy compared to what will happen to you.”

“Threats, Sergeant? Really? I’m sitting right here.” Talia batted her eyelashes at the man.

“Ms. Davenport, it will be on you if he doesn’t take that call. And, no, these are not threats. Just a statement of fact.”

“Of course, Sergeant. My client will be a good boy and cooperate with the feds.”

There was no way in hell they’d be doing a damn thing the feds wanted which meant they needed to find a safe place to lay low for a while. But she could worry about that once they were out of there.

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