The atmosphere in the police station changed as Francisco made his dramatic entrance. News of his arrest had already sent shockwaves through the building. Sergeant Martin, torn between his corrupt ties and fear of exposure, found himself in a tight spot.
As word spread, officers and staff began gathering, their faces showing a mix of curiosity and tension. Martin felt a knot form in his stomach, unsure how to handle what was coming.
"God, what should I do?" he muttered.
He was stuck... his badge on one side and his loyalty to Francisco, a known criminal, on the other.
Suddenly, an announcement echoed through the station.
"They are here."
"Inform everyone."
Martin's anxiety spiked. This was it... the moment he had dreaded. He stood up slowly and walked toward the entrance, his mind racing.
A jeep pulled up and stopped. The doors opened, and Francisco stepped out, calm and confident. All eyes turned to him... some full of fear, others full of curiosity, and a few with silent respect for his power and influence.
The station buzzed with quiet whispers. Officers exchanged looks, unsure of what would happen next. Francisco stayed composed, knowing everyone was watching.
With no resistance, they walked Francisco inside. As he neared the entrance, his eyes met Sergeant Martin's. Martin's face went pale, and he blinked slowly, visibly shaken. But Francisco didn't stop... he walked on, ignoring the moment.
At the same time, Hazel stepped out of Alex's office. Her mind was still on the consequences of the arrest. As she walked toward her chamber, she spotted Rafael nearby. Before she could fully register the scene, Francisco appeared behind Rafael.
Their eyes met.
For a brief moment, everything seemed to freeze. Tension filled the air as Hazel and Francisco stared at each other.
As he got closer, Francisco slowed down, a smug smile forming on his face.
"Hazel Somerset!"
Francisco addressed her, his tone filled with mockery. His piercing gaze moved from head to toe.
Hazel felt the storm inside her but stayed calm.
She met Francisco's stare with steady eyes, refusing to show any sign of weakness.
Francisco kept his mischievous smile as he continued teasing Hazel, throwing in a compliment about her uniform.
"You look hot in your uniform."
Despite the subtle provocation, Hazel stood firm.
"Actually it suits you."
Hazel took a deep breath and replied, "Thank you for your compliments."
"Come with me to talk, Hazel," he said. Rafael narrowed his eyes, his dislike for Francisco clear.
"Come, Hazel. I will tell you a secret."
"You should know your limit, Francisco," Rafael warned.
Francisco stayed calm and answered casually, "Ah, really? We will see then."
The challenge in his words hung in the air. Rafael clenched his jaw and stepped forward, yanking at the handcuffs on Francisco.
Francisco, still relaxed, said, "It seems I've made you angry, Mr. Rafael."
Rafael gave him a hard stare. "Don't dare look at my girlfriend."
Francisco raised an eyebrow, pushing further, "Oh, she is your girlfriend?"
His voice dipped with mockery, playing a dangerous game in front of everyone.
"Shut the fuck up," Rafael snapped, his patience gone. He reached for Francisco to take him away, trying to keep control of the situation.
But just as Rafael moved, everything changed. Francisco suddenly yanked his hand free and, in a shocking move, grabbed Hazel by the neck and pulled her into a sudden, forceful kiss. The room froze in silence.
Hazel tried to pull away, but Francisco tightened his grip on her face, holding her in place. Gasps filled the room as the shock rippled through the officers watching the bold and twisted act unfold.
"You fucker!"
"How dare you?"
Rafael's furious voice cut through the noise. He lunged at Francisco, grabbing him by the neck and trying to pull him off Hazel.
Caught in the chaos, Hazel struggled to break free from Francisco's grip. Shock and confusion clouded her face.
"Get ready for the storm, Hazel."
Francisco had done what he wanted.
He ended the kiss... but not before biting Hazel's lip so hard it bled. Then he let her go.
He wiped a smear of blood from the corner of his mouth, his eyes locked on Hazel, watching her reaction.
Hazel arched her brows and wiped the blood from her lip.
"Babe!"
Rafael rushed to her.
"Are you okay?"
Hazel's chest rose and fell with fury and hurt. She met Francisco's intense gaze without flinching.
The room went quiet as Hazel slapped Francisco hard. The sound cracked through the silence, leaving a sting on his cheek. Rafael stood beside her.
But Francisco didn't break eye contact... he only smiled, sly and smug.
"I made my mark on you, Hazel."
"Now you can't run away from me."
His voice dripped with threat.
Rafael had heard enough. He threw a hard punch, sending Francisco stumbling back. A red welt bloomed on Francisco's face.
Rafael grabbed him by the collar, eyes blazing.
"Shut the fuck up."
"I will show you how to make a mark, bastard."
His voice was cold, filled with fury and promise.
Rafael yanked Francisco away from the confrontation.
As Francisco was dragged off, he gave Hazel one last look... a twisted smile still on his lips. It only stoked Rafael's rage.
Meanwhile, in Texas, police arrested one of Francisco's key associates. Their careful planning had paid off, cracking open part of his criminal network.
In Georgia, Adam and Freddie kept watch near the school.
Disguised as school staff, Adam and Freddie moved quietly through the halls. Everything looked normal... too normal.
No signs of trouble.
Adam said, "Freddie, it has been so long."
Freddie frowned, thinking it through.
"Does that mean they already know about us?"
Adam shook his head slightly. "I don't think so, Freddie. No one knows that Francisco has been caught."
They stayed alert.