If Carson was right, this was bigger than he’d imagined.
Shaw wasn’t just a corrupt cop taking bribes.
He’d built an entire network. A way for criminals to buy protection from law enforcement.
And Maggie Reeves—friendly, harmless Maggie who served coffee and listened to gossip—had been at the center of it all.
Carson drove back to the station, his mind racing.
This was dangerous territory. Accusing a beloved local business owner of being part of a criminal conspiracy. Going after a former captain with powerful friends.
But the evidence was building. The pattern was clear.
And Carson Black had never backed down from pursuing the truth.
No matter how dangerous it got.
No matter who he had to take down.
Justice would be served.
Even if it destroyed reputations, ended careers, and exposed corruption at the highest levels.
The truth always came out.
And Carson was going to make sure it did.
Chapter 20
Maggie Reeves had owned The Brew & View for twenty-two years.
Carson sat in Captain Holloway’s office, reviewing Finn’s research on her background. On the surface, she was exactly what she appeared to be—a small business owner, active in the community, friendly with everyone.
But underneath that surface, the numbers told a different story.
“Her coffee shop shouldn’t be this profitable,” Finn said, pointing to financial records on his laptop. “I ran comparisons with similar businesses in the area. The Brew & View brings in roughly three times what it should based on foot traffic and sales volume.”
“She’s laundering money,” Carson said.
“That’s what it looks like. Cash-heavy business, hard to track actual sales versus reported sales. Perfect front for moving dirty money.” Finn pulled up more documents. “And look at this. She owns the building the coffee shop is in. Paid cash for it fifteen years ago. $600,000 in cash.”
Holloway frowned. “Where does a coffee shop owner get that kind of cash?”
“She doesn’t. But someone running a criminal enterprise might.” Carson leaned forward. “Dan Morrison said Eugene made drops at The Brew & View. I think Maggie was collecting payments from criminals, taking a cut, and passing the rest to Shaw. She’s the middleman. The connection between the criminals who needed protection and the cop who could provide it.”
“That’s a serious accusation,” Holloway warned. “Maggie’s been serving coffee to half the department for two decades. People trust her.”
“Which makes her perfect for the role. Who’d suspect the friendly coffee shop lady?” Carson pulled out photos from the evidence boards. “Shaw visited The Brew & View regularly during his tenure. It’s in his credit card records—at least twice a week, sometimes more. Even after retirement, every time he flew back to Washington, his cards show charges from The Brew & View.”
“Meeting with Maggie. Coordinating.” Holloway rubbed his temples. “This is going to destroy her. Everyone loves that coffee shop.”
“Everyone loved Shaw too. Until we found out he was corrupt.” Carson’s voice was hard. “I don’t care how beloved she is. If she helped Shaw enable criminals, if she’s the reason Eugene operated unchecked for years, she needs to face justice.”
“Agreed,” Captain said, looking like he’d aged ten years since Carson entered his office. “But we need solid proof before we move. Right now, this is all circumstantial. Suspicious financial activity and a few coffee purchases don’t prove she’s a criminal middleman.”
“So we get proof.” Carson stood, determined to find it. “I want surveillance on The Brew & View. See who’s coming and going. Especially if Shaw shows up during one of his trips.”
“Done. I’ll assign Silas and Knox to rotate surveillance shifts. Discreet. No one can know we’re watching Maggie.”
