Ruthless Authority

As Celeste spoke, the SWAT team captain entered the room. One hand held a file folder, the other gripped a stack of IDs.

He handed them over. "Miss Hawthorne, if there's nothing else, we'll be taking our leave."

"Everything verified?" Celeste asked as she took the IDs.

"Yes, ma'am. These individuals are involved in organized crime. As for these officers, they're accused of accepting bribes, delaying response times, and aiding criminal activities. They've already been dismissed from duty."

The captain saluted after his report.

"Take them all in," Celeste ordered. "As for the public fallout, that's your department's problem."

"Understood. We'll take care of it," the SWAT captain replied, now all smiles, completely different from his earlier stern demeanor.

Celeste gave a curt nod.

With her approval, the captain signaled his men, and one by one, the suspects on the ground were cuffed.