Lucian River stood frozen in disbelief. Arrested? This couldn't be happening.
Several officers approached him, ready to take him into custody.
"I'm friends with your boss," Lucian shouted, his voice cracking with desperation. "Let me call him!"
The officers exchanged glances before stepping back slightly. "Go ahead," one of them nodded.
With trembling hands, Lucian pulled out his phone and dialed quickly. When the call connected, he blurted out, "Hughes, what's going on? Why are your people arresting me?"
Hughes's voice came through cold and sharp. "You broke the law. If I don't catch you, who should I catch?"
The color drained from Lucian's face. "Hughes, what... what do you mean?" he stammered.
"What do I mean? Ha, Lucian River, you're finished!" Hughes spat before hanging up.
Despair washed over Lucian. His legs buckled beneath him, and he collapsed to the floor with a heavy thud.
Without a word, the officers moved forward, grabbed his arms, and escorted him out.
