𝑇𝑊𝐼𝑁 𝑆𝐼𝑍𝐸 𝑀𝐴𝑇𝑅𝐸𝑆𝑆 / 𝐽.𝐵.𝑅

ILLEGAL

The sun hung low in the sky as the Pogues approached the police station, their nerves on edge. John B, JJ, Kiara, Pope, and Alex walked up the steps, the weight of their mission pressing heavily on them. Alex, while more composed than the previous day, still had a hint of anxiety as she carried her laptop.

Sheriff Shoupe was seated at his desk when they entered, the room filled with the low hum of activity typical of a police station.

"What do you have for me?" Shoupe asked, eyeing the laptop that John B held.

John B stepped forward, trying to stay calm. "We have evidence implicating Ward Cameron. We need your help to bring him to justice."

Shoupe glanced at Alex with a skeptical look. "And how can I be sure this isn't another wild goose chase? Do you have any concrete proof beyond what's on that device?"

Alex's face tightened. "We have evidence, but it's on my laptop, and it's not exactly... legal."

Shoupe's skepticism grew. "I need direct proof, something I can use without delving into potentially illegal activities."

John B and JJ exchanged worried glances. "Alex, can you show him what's on the laptop?" John B asked, desperation creeping into his voice.

Alex hesitated, her gaze shifting between Shoupe and her friends. "I can show you some of the data, but it's risky. If I expose my methods, it could land me in serious trouble."

Kiara stepped forward, her voice urgent. "We need to act now. If we don't, Ward will slip through our fingers."

Shoupe's patience was wearing thin. "I need concrete proof. If you can't provide that, we're done here."

Alex took a deep breath. "Alright, I'll show you, but understand that this is a big risk for me."

She opened her laptop and began navigating through the files, her fingers moving swiftly over the keyboard. Shoupe watched intently as Alex demonstrated her access to the data implicating Ward Cameron. The files were compelling, but the illegal nature of Alex's methods was apparent.

As Alex continued, Shoupe's expression shifted from curiosity to concern. "This is impressive, but it's also problematic. The way this information was obtained makes it inadmissible in court."

John B's face fell. "So, what does that mean?"

Shoupe's voice was firm. "It means that while the evidence is substantial, it's tainted by illegal hacking. We can't use it to prosecute Ward Cameron."

Alex's face grew pale. "So, what happens now?"

Shoupe's gaze turned serious. "Given the nature of this evidence, I'm afraid I have no choice but to take action against you."

Alex's eyes widened. "What? No, wait-"

Before she could finish, Shoupe reached for his radio and spoke into it. "I need backup in here. We have an arrest."

The room was suddenly filled with the sounds of footsteps as officers arrived. Alex's heart raced as she realized the gravity of her situation. She turned to the Pogues, her expression a mixture of resignation and fear.

"Alex, no!" John B exclaimed, his voice filled with panic.

JJ clenched his fists, his frustration evident. "This can't be happening!"

Kiara and Pope stood by, their faces etched with concern. The reality of the situation was sinking in-they had risked everything, and now one of their own was about to face the consequences.

Shoupe's voice was calm but resolute. "Alex Borden, you're under arrest for illegal hacking and unauthorized access to computer systems. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law."