“Deputy Thomas Vance, Officer Brian Miller,” the lead trooper announced, pulling Vance’s hands behind his back and snapping a fresh pair of steel cuffs around his wrists. “You are under arrest for deprivation of civil rights under color of law, aggravated official misconduct, and physical assault.”
The crisp, metallic snap of the handcuffs locking around Vance’s wrists echoed across the gravel shoulder—the exact same sound Vance had produced just ten minutes earlier.
Victoria watched in quiet silence as the troopers escorted Vance and Miller toward the back of the lead State Patrol Charger. Vance walked with his head bowed, his boots dragging heavily through the dry dust he had spent years using to intimidate motorists on this stretch of road.
Before the trooper pushed Vance into the rear seat of the vehicle, Victoria stepped closer, looking at him through the open door.
“You asked me earlier if I thought I was smart,” Victoria said quietly, her voice carrying easily over the low rumble of the idling patrol engines.
