“This is my business,” Alicia replied evenly. “You are abusing your authority.”
Lowell’s face flushed with anger. “Fine. Take them both in.”
They were brought to the precinct without explanation.
Inside the station, Alicia and the driver, whose name was Daniel Cruz, were made to sit on a bench. Daniel’s hands shook as he stared at the floor, thinking about his family and his taxi. Alicia sat upright, silent, watching.
Lowell sat nearby and answered a phone call openly.
“Yes,” he said. “That situation is handled. Your name will not appear. Just have the payment ready.”
Alicia heard every word.
She leaned slightly toward Daniel. “Stay calm,” she said quietly. “I am observing everything.”
Daniel looked at her, confused and frightened. “Who are you. Why did you not stop him.”
“Because corruption has to be proven,” Alicia said softly. “Not assumed.”
Daniel was later called into Lowell’s office. The officer spoke casually, telling him that three hundred dollars would make the problem disappear. Daniel begged again, explaining that he did not have that much money. Lowell made it clear that refusal would mean losing his taxi and his livelihood.