Chapter 8 - The Camera That Never Stopped Recording
One of the troopers carefully removed the dashboard camera from the SUV.
"It looks intact."
Derek immediately stepped forward.
"It belongs to me."
"It belongs to evidence now," Brooks answered.
Kyle swallowed hard.
Walter noticed both men exchanging another quick glance.
They weren't worried about the accident itself.
They were worried about the recording.
A forensic technician connected the memory card to a portable tablet.
The first video appeared instantly.
It wasn't today's crash.
It was another highway.
Another elderly driver.
Another sudden brake check.
Another demand for immediate cash.
The surrounding officers exchanged stunned looks.
Brooks continued playing the files.
There were dozens.
Some lasted only minutes.
Others showed frightened victims handing over envelopes of cash before police ever arrived.
One recording ended with Derek laughing into the camera.
"Easiest ten grand this month."
The silence around the highway became almost uncomfortable.
Kyle lowered his head.
Derek's confident smile finally disappeared.
Walter folded his arms.
"Professional criminals always make the same mistake."
Brooks glanced toward him.
"They keep trophies."
Walter nodded.
"They stop believing they'll ever be caught."
The technician opened another folder.
Instead of crash footage, it contained maps.
Different cities.
Highlighted highways.
Exit ramps.
Rest areas.
Each location marked with handwritten notes.
"This wasn't just two men driving around," Brooks murmured.
"This was planned."
Walter looked at the maps for several seconds.
Something about one location immediately caught his attention.
He stepped closer.
"I know that exit."
Brooks raised an eyebrow.
Walter pointed quietly.
"That's where we arrested the leader of the largest staged-collision ring in this state."
Brooks looked back at the map.
"The same place?"
Walter nodded.
May you like
"Exactly the same."
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