The heavy doors to the security corridor burst open, nearly tearing off their hinges. Sergeant Miller sprinted into the lobby, his face flushed red, his radio bouncing wildly on his chest. He took one look at the scene—the spilled coffee, the broken tablet, Maya in tears, and his boss, the CEO of the company, standing in handcuffs like a common criminal.
"Braddock!" Miller roared, a sound so loud and furious it made the glass facade vibrate. He crossed the lobby in three massive strides.
"Sarge, I can explain, he refused to show ID, he was acting suspicious—"
Miller didn't even let him finish. "Uncuff him! Uncuff him right now!" he bellowed, grabbing Braddock by the collar of his uniform and shoving him backward. Braddock fumbled frantically for his keys, his hands shaking so violently he dropped them twice.
Miller cursed, shoving Braddock aside, picking up the keys, and unlocking the handcuffs himself. The metal clicked open, and Marcus slowly brought his arms forward, rubbing the deep, angry red welts left on his skin.