The officers moved with an unease that hadn't been there before they weren't laughing they weren't making casual remarks as they passed by his cell because they knew. Internal Affairs was digging and what they were finding wasn't just about what had happened to him it was bigger. Raymond heard footsteps approaching. He looked up as. Nia Caldwell appeared outside his cell her face unreadable the guard unlocked the door allowing her inside she took a seat across from him opening a folder there're still stalling on your release.
She said her voice calm but edged with frustration. Raymond exhaled sharply what's the excuse now they're pretending they need more time to review the full scope of the incident. Nia shook her head which is ridiculous because the entire country has already seen what happened but the good news is internal affairs has started pulling records on hail's team. Raymond's eyebrows lifted and. Nia leaned forward it's bad worse than we thought multiple excessive force complaints racial profiling reports cases that were quietly settled out of court hail alone has been accused of misconduct at least seven times in the last 5 years but none of it stuck.
Raymond's jaw tightened why the same reason it never does reports went missing Witnesses changed their statements the union stepped in every time things got close to real accountability. Raymond let the information sink in he had suspected as much but hearing it confirmed only made his anger simmer hotter and now. He asked. Nia smirked now they can't bury it not with all the attention on this case she flipped through her notes. Lisa's been Relentless every time the department tries to shift the focus she counters with more evidence and it's working people are pissed.
Raymond leaned back against the wall how bad is it. Nia studied him bad enough that they've had to put hail and his entire team on paid leave the department is trying to act like it's just procedural but. Internal Affairs is treating it like a real investigation they're pulling body cam footage reviewing old cases this could unravel everything. Raymond nodded slowly good. Nia hesitated there's more.
Raymond frowned what. She sighed there are protests all over the city people are Marching outside the station outside City Hall even in front of the DA's office they're demanding your release but it's not just about you anymore other people are coming forward people who had run-ins with hail's unit the city is waking up and law enforcement doesn't know how to handle it. Raymond's hands clenched into Fists it was working the truth was coming out but with that truth came risk I need to see my family. He said quietly. Nia's expression softened.
Dana and your mother have been speaking out they've done interviews talked about what this is doing to them to you. Raymond exhaled a knot tightening in his chest his mother was strong but he knew this was breaking her in ways he couldn't protect her from are they safe. He asked Neon Ed for now but they've been harassed calls threats reporters camping outside their house. Raymond's jaw locked they shouldn't have to deal with this they know that. Nia said but they also know you can't fight this alone.
Raymond ran a hand down his face he was exhausted his body still aching but he wasn't broken not yet. He looked up at. Nia how do we push harder. Nia's eyes gleamed we keep the heat on we keep the media focused on the corruption on the fact that the police still have you in here without charges the more attention this gets the more pressure the da will feel. Raymond nodded and.