Story code: ST-001359
Part 4: The Dry Process
Deputy Miller’s fingers tapped against the keys of the cruiser terminal, the sharp plastic sounds echoing in the quiet parking lot. Marcus Stone watched the deputy’s profile as he typed. The confidence in Miller’s posture had completely vanished, replaced by a rigid, mechanical movement. A few yards away, Clara Webb stood with her arms crossed, her eyes tracking the movement of Miller’s hands on the keyboard.
On the terminal screen, the mandatory fields of the incident report flashed red. The software required the input of the offending vehicle’s license plate to complete the filing. Because the automated program had already scanned the area and synced the video metadata from the Axon-3 bodycam, the system displayed a drop-down menu of active plates. The primary vehicle captured committing the reckless driving maneuver in the video was the black SUV registered to Sean Miller.
‘The system requires the plate number to submit the file,’ Sergeant Davis said, his voice flat.
Miller selected his own license plate from the drop-down menu. He did not look at Davis, nor did he look back at the shoppers who stood watching. His breathing was shallow, his shoulders hunched slightly forward. He clicked the red ‘Submit Report’ button on the screen.
The interface immediately changed. A red warning banner flashed across the monitor: *System Lockout. Conflict of Interest Detected: Officer-Owned Asset Flagged. Administrative portal access revoked pending Internal Affairs review.*
A soft, double-tone alert sounded from the dashboard. Davis clicked the trackball, but the screen remained locked behind a grey security barrier, completely freezing Miller’s credentials. The system had processed the violation and removed his access in real-time.
Davis reached for the radio microphone. ‘Dispatch, this is unit twelve. Cancel the flatbed tow request for the blue sedan in Row Seven. Code four, no further action required.’
He hung up the microphone and turned to Miller. ‘Your off-duty detail authorization is suspended, Sean. Leave your badge and credentials in your personal vehicle. Report to the precinct tomorrow morning at 0800 for the administrative hearing.’
Miller did not speak. He let out a slow, heavy breath and stepped back from the cruiser. Without looking at Clara, Marcus, or the onlookers, he walked back to his black SUV, climbed into the driver’s seat, and closed the door. He started the engine and backed out of the space slowly, navigating toward the exit of the Oakridge Supermarket parking lot without exceeding the speed limit.
The crowd of shoppers slowly dispersed, walking back to their cars in silence. Clara Webb walked to her blue sedan, opened the door, and buckled her child into the backseat. She started her car and drove out of Row Seven, leaving the empty space behind.
Marcus Stone gripped the handle of the shopping carts and pushed the long line back toward the grocery store entrance. The metal wheels clattered softly against the asphalt, the ordinary sounds of the parking lot returning as the patrol cruiser slowly drove away.