A new local police cruiser drove slowly down the street and stopped near the curb. Behind the wheel was a young officer from the newly reformed precinct. The officer rolled down the window and offered a respectful wave.
"Good morning, Mr. Pendleton," the officer called warmly. "Beautiful day for the garden."
Arthur smiled, genuinely relaxed. "Good morning, Officer. It certainly is. Keep up the good work out there."
The cruiser continued down the street, leaving Arthur to the quiet comfort of his home.
The system was broken in many places, but Arthur knew with absolute certainty that piece by piece he was fixing it. The storm had passed and the bad apples had been uprooted. Derek Rollins thought a badge made him invincible, but he learned the hard way that true power lies in accountability and justice. He had gone looking for an easy target and instead exposed the criminal enterprise he had built behind his badge, ending his career and sending him to federal prison for 45 years. Rollins had finally learned that a badge could not shield anyone from accountability.