Sierra's patrol car pulled up to the Blue Plate Diner just as Valentina poured coffee for the breakfast crowd. Right on schedule. Seven AM.
"Valentina Ross," Sierra's voice rang out, official and cold. "You're under arrest for obstruction of justice and interfering with a federal investigation."
Every head in the diner turned. Valentina set down the coffee pot, hands steady despite her hammering heart.
"I haven't done anything wrong."
"That's for a judge to decide." Sierra moved forward, cuffs out. "Turn around."
The cold metal clicked around Valentina's wrists. Hank, the owner, started to protest, but Valentina shook her head slightly. This was the plan. This had to look real.
Outside, a crowd had gathered. Including Connor, leaning against his car across the street, arms crossed an
