“Who are you?” the officer barked. The man didn’t answer. His chest heaved, gaze darting between Daniel and the uniforms blocking his path. His silence was louder than any confession. In his hand, he clutched a battered shovel, knuckles white against the handle.
“Drop it. Now.” The officer’s voice hardened. For a heartbeat, the man didn’t move. Then, in a burst, he bolted backward, trying to vanish into the dark. The officer lunged, slamming him against the wall. Soil rained down as the man shouted, struggling, but he was quickly shackled in steel cuffs.