Running feels like letting him win. Like saying he was right to treat me like I didn't belong in my own neighborhood. My own city. Marcus nodded, understanding the complex calculus of principle versus self-preservation. Whatever you decide, I'll support it.
I'll do one interview, Jamal decided. The local station, Channel 6. They've been fair so far. As they discussed logistics, Marcus's phone rang. Sophia with updates.
We've got movement, she reported. Jack Mercer just turned himself in asking for immunity in exchange for information on Simmons. What triggered that? Marcus asked. Pressure from the investigation.
Once we identified him from Reeves's information, we put surveillance on him. He must have spotted it and panicked. I'm on my way, Marcus told her, then explained the situation to Jamal. Go, Jamal urged. Finding Simmons is what matters most right now.
Across town in the interview room at police headquarters, Jack Mercer sat with his union attorney looking exhausted and frightened. Marcus entered alongside District Attorney Grant and Chief Wilson. Officer Mercer, Eleanor began, you understand that any immunity agreement depends on the value and verifiability of your information. I understand, Mercer replied, his voice subdued. I want to be clear.
I helped Derek immediately after the courthouse incident because he was my friend. I didn't know what he was planning. Marcus leaned forward. Where is he now? A house on Lakewood Drive.
Mike Kowalski's mother's old place. Mercer glanced at his attorney who nodded encouragement. But he's not staying there much longer. He knows it's not secure. How do you know that?
Because I talked to him yesterday. He's becoming unstable, paranoid, talking about making statements and showing everyone what happens when good cops get pushed too far. Chief Wilson interjected. Did he specify any targets? Mercer hesitated.
He's fixated on two people. Washington and him. He nodded toward Marcus. Especially after yesterday's press conference about the task force files. We need a tactical team at the Lakewood address immediately.
Wilson ordered an aide who hurried from the room. There's something else, Mercer added. Derek's not alone in this. There are others, retired officers, some still active, who believe he's being railroaded. They're helping him because they're afraid of what comes next if the task force investigation expands.
"Names." Eleanor demanded. As Mercer began listing officers, Marcus' phone buzzed with a text from Sophia. "Reporter from Herald requesting urgent comment. Says she has information connecting you to a task force case from your PD days."
Marcus felt a cold certainty settle in his stomach. The past was catching up faster than he'd anticipated. "Excuse me." He said, stepping out to call Sophia. "What exactly does the reporter have?"
He asked without preamble. "She says she's identified a case you handled as a public defender 5 years ago. A client named Andre Mitchell, arrested by the task force, who later committed suicide in prison. Says there are irregularities in the case that connect to our current investigation." Marcus closed his eyes, the name triggering painful memories.
"Tell her I'll speak with her. My office, 1 hour." When he returned to the interview room, the tactical response was already being coordinated. Chief Wilson was on the phone, tension evident in his clipped instructions. "Team reports the house appears empty."
Wilson announced after hanging up. "Signs of recent occupation, but no current presence. They're securing the scene now." "He knew we were coming." Marcus concluded.
"Someone warned him." "Impossible." Wilson snapped. "This operation was compartmentalized." "With respect, Chief."
Marcus countered. "We're dealing with officers who specialized in intelligence gathering and counter-surveillance. They know your protocols because they helped design them." Before Wilson could respond, an aid rushed in. "Sir, we've got a the at Channel 6 Studios.
Armed man matching Simmons' description spotted in the parking garage. What's at Channel 6 today? Eleanor asked. The realization hit Marcus like a physical blow. Jamal Washington.
He's doing an interview there in He checked his watch. 20 minutes. Lock down the building, Wilson ordered. All available units respond, but no sirens. Tactical approach only.
As emergency responses mobilized, Marcus hurried to his office where reporter Vanessa Chen was already waiting. Her expression indicating she understood the gravity of what she'd uncovered. Mr. Brooks, she began without preliminaries. Five years ago, Andre Mitchell was arrested during a drug sweep by the Central Tactical Task Force. You were assigned as his public defender.
That's correct, Marcus confirmed, checking his phone for updates on the Channel 6 situation. Mitchell insisted evidence was planted, that he was beaten into confessing. The arresting officer was Derek Simmons. Marcus looked up sharply. Where did you get that information?
Those records were sealed under juvenile protection statutes. I have sources, Vanessa replied. Mitchell hanged himself 3 months into his sentence after his appeal was denied. His mother kept all his letters, including ones detailing what really happened during his arrest. Ms. Chen, I represented hundreds of clients as a public defender.
Andre's case was tragic, but I don't see how it connects to the current situation. Don't you? Vanessa pushed a folder across the desk. These are case notes from three other juvenile defendants arrested by the task force. All represented by different public defenders.
All with nearly identical police reports. Reports that follow the exact template we now know the task force used to justify questionable arrests. Marcus opened the folder scanning documents that confirmed his worst fears. The task force's corruption hadn't just affected individuals. It had systematically targeted vulnerable communities creating a pipeline of young black men into the criminal justice system.
This isn't coincidence, Vanessa continued. It's pattern and practice and it raises a question. How personal is this prosecution for you, Mr. Brooks? Is your pursuit of Officer Simmons motivated by justice for Jamal Washington or redemption for Andre Mitchell? Before Marcus could answer, his phone lit up with an urgent alert.
Shots fired at Channel 6. Multiple officers responding. I have to go, he said standing abruptly. Marcus Ken, I'll address your questions later, but right now there's an emergency. As he rushed out, Vanessa called after him.
The public deserves to know if this is justice or vendetta, Mr. Brooks. Her words followed him down the hallway adding yet another layer of complexity to a case that had already expanded far beyond its original boundaries. What had begun as the prosecution of one officer for one assault was now unraveling years of systematic injustice. And forcing Marcus to confront his own connection to that history. Marcus's car screeched into the Channel 6 parking lot.