"Who was on the phone?" I asked, my curiosity tinged with suspicion.
"It was the District Attorney," Detective Cruz replied, her frustration evident in her voice. "He said we're not charging Mr. Siapno."
"What? But he's guilty! We have evidence!" I protested.
"I know, but the DA's orders are clear. He doesn't want us to pursue it," Detective Cruz explained.
"Well, if the DA says so, then that's it. We have to drop the case," one of the local police officers interjected. "I'm not risking my job over this."
"Yeah, me neither," another officer chimed in.
"No matter how big or influential Mr. Siapno may be, justice must prevail. We owe it to the people we serve to see this through to the end," Detective Cruz voiced out her belief.
"It's clear, Detective Cruz, that Mr. Siapno's influence reaches even the highest levels of authority," I observed, concern evident in my tone, though it was only an act.
