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It wasn’t a normal identification microchip. This device was larger and more complex. “I’ve never seen anything like it,” the doctor said, studying the image. “It’s definitely artificial, but from here I can’t tell what it is.” Crawford immediately ordered a partial evacuation of the building. Code yellow. I want explosive detection specialists here right now. Within minutes, Sergeant Rodriguez, a bomb disposal expert, arrived with his team. He passed a metal detector around Max’s neck and confirmed the object’s location.
“It’s not explosive,” Rodriguez announced after running several tests. “But it’s definitely electronic; it looks like some kind of storage device. Dr. Hees prepared a local anesthetic. I can safely remove it, but I need permission to perform the surgery.” Crawford looked at his watch. It was 8:10 a.m. There were 50 minutes left until Sara’s execution. Rebeca was in a corner crying and confused. “I don’t understand,” he said. “Who would have put something inside Max? And why? Do the surgery,” Crawford ordered.
I need to know what this is. Dr. Ha worked quickly but carefully. The device was small, about the size of a USB flash drive, wrapped in medical-grade plastic to protect it from bodily fluids. When she finally removed it, everyone gathered around to examine it. “It’s a modified microSD card,” Rodriguez said, turning it over in his hands. “Someone went to a lot of trouble to hide this.” Craford felt his heart race. In all his years of working at the prison, he’d never encountered anything like it.
We can access what’s on it. We’ll need a computer, Rodriguez replied. But yes, it should be readable. As they prepared to uncover the secrets Max was carrying, Crawford couldn’t help but wonder, “Did Sara know about this device? And if so, what was she hiding that was worth risking her dog’s life to protect?” At 8:25 A.M., forensic technician Michael Torres plugged the device into his laptop. The screen filled with dozens of audio files, all dated between April and September 2017.
Crawford stood behind him, watching nervously as the minutes ticked by. “There are 43 recordings here,” Torres said. “Some are only a few seconds long, others several minutes.” “Play the first one,” Crowford ordered. Torres clicked on a file dated April 15, 2017. The room fell silent as voices filled the air. The first voice was clearly that of David Mitchell, Sara’s supposedly dead husband. “Are you sure this will work, Kan?” David asked, his voice nervous but excited.
A second voice responded, deeper and more confident. “David, I’ve been a prosecutor for 15 years. Trust me. When I’m done, everyone will think you’re dead and that Sara killed you.” Crawford felt his blood run cold. Robert Kane was the lead prosecutor who had sentenced Sara to death. He was supposed to seek justice, not conspire with the victim. “What about the body?” David asked on the recording. “It’s all sorted out,” Kane replied. “We found a homeless man your same height and build.”
Walsh will handle the autopsy and make sure the dental records match. No one will question it. The recording continued for another minute with David and Kane arguing about money transfers and escape plans. When it ended, the room fell silent. “Play another one,” Crawford said, his voice tight with anger. Torres selected a file from May 2017. This time, three voices could be heard: David, Kane, and a woman. “Detective Morrison, are you comfortable planting the evidence?” Kane asked.
For two million dollars, I’m comfortable with whatever you need, the woman replied. I’ll make sure Sara’s fingerprints are on the gun and that there’s gunpowder residue on her hands. Crawford recognized the voice immediately. Linda Morrison was the lead detective who had arrested Sara. She was supposed to uncover the truth, not create lies. As more recordings were played, a horrific picture emerged. Sara hadn’t killed her husband.
Her husband had faked his own death and framed her for murder, enlisting the help of the very people who were supposed to protect justice. Torres continued to play the recordings as Crawford paced the room. Each file revealed more shocking details about the conspiracy that had landed Sara on death row. In one recording from June 2017, David explained his true motivation to Kan.
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