Chapter 4

Tiffany’s sole source of confidence was her uncle, Paul Vance. But a local Deputy Chief was nothing compared to the high-ranking officials I had worked with in the past.

My temper flared. "I don't believe you. Try me."

"Fine! You asked for it," Tiffany snapped, pulling out her phone to call her uncle.

Ten minutes later, a police cruiser pulled up with its sirens blaring.

The door opened, and a middle-aged officer in a formal uniform stepped out, flanked by two other officers. It was Deputy Chief Paul Vance.

"Uncle Paul! This cripple is threatening me!" Tiffany whined, running to him and grabbing his arm. "He said he’s going to put me in jail!"

Paul had been raised by Tiffany’s mother and spoiled his niece rotten. In this town, he acted like he was above the law.

"Don't worry, Tiffany," Paul said, patting her hand. "Nobody messes with you in this town. I'll handle this."

He walked over to me, looking down at me with absolute contempt.

"So, you're the one threatening my niece?" Paul barked. "Do you have any idea who I am?"

"Under my authority, I am arresting your entire family for making false police reports, harassment, and obstructing justice. Ten days in county jail."

My dad panicked. He ran to my room and brought out a wooden box filled with my military certificates and medals.

"Deputy Chief, please! My son is a decorated veteran! Look at his medals—he has a Distinguished Service Cross and a Purple Heart! Please, let us go!"

With a cruel smirk, Paul kicked the box out of my dad's hands. The medals and certificates scattered all over the dirty floor.

"I checked your file before I came here, Logan," Paul sneered. "You're just a low-level discharged soldier. And now, you're fabricating fake military medals and forging government documents."

"That's a federal crime. Cuff him. We’re taking him to the station."

As the officers moved toward me, I made a decision.

I pulled out my phone and dialed a classified number I thought I’d never use again.

When the call connected, I clenched my jaw and spoke into the receiver.

"General Harrison... I almost gave my life for this country. Now, a corrupt cop is throwing me in jail on fake charges. Are you going to let this happen?"