You heard me check my ID it's in my wallet the officer hesitated narrowing his eyes as if trying to decide whether this was some sort of trick. You've had plenty of time to give me your ID now you want to cooperate. Michael met his gaze his voice calm and laced with quiet confidence. Check it you're going to want to know who you've just cuffed before this gets worse for you the officer's confidence faltered but he still wasn't fully buying it. Fine let's see what you've got he muttered reaching into my 's pocket and pulling out his wallet with a flick of his wrist the officer opened it and pulled out the ID card for a moment he squinted at it his expression unreadable but as he processed the information the color drained from his face the name the title everything clicked into place his eyes darted from the ID back to.
Michael disbelief and panic flashing across his features. You you're. That's right. Michael said his voice smooth and unhurried. I'm the mayor of this city the officer's face went pale the full weight of what he had just done sinking in he looked back at the ID as if hoping it would change but it didn't the realization hit him hard he had just assaulted and arrested the highest ranking official in the city the officer's hands trembled as he fumbled with the Cuffs his previous aggression gone replaced by Panic.
Sir I I didn't know I didn't realize. Michael cut him off his voice still calm but now sharper more commanding. You didn't realize because you assumed you let your Prejudice blind you and now you're in a situation you can't talk your way out of the the officer's face flushed with embarrassment and fear as he hurriedly unlocked the Cuffs freeing. Michael's wrists. I I'm sorry sir I didn't mean didn't mean.
Michael's voice Rose slightly as he rubbed his sore wrists his eyes blazing with restrained Fury you didn't mean to punch me you didn't mean to throw me up against that window and treat me like a criminal the officer stumbled over his words trying to find some way to salvage the situation sir I thought you were you thought. Michael snapped cutting him off again that's the problem you didn't think you saw me standing here and because I didn't fit into your idea of who should be in this neighborhood you decided I was a threat that's what you did the officer stammered backing up slightly as. Michael stepped forward his voice firm and unforgiving do you have any idea what kind of situation you've put yourself in do you understand the consequences of your actions tonight the officer's eyes were wide with fear now sir I'm sorry I didn't mean for it to go this far I you didn't mean for it to go this far. Michael's voice was cold his words slicing through the officer's weak defense this is exactly what happens when you let your bias dictate your actions you're supposed to Serve and Protect not assault and profile the officer swallowed hard his face pale his hands still shaking I. I made.
A mistake. A mistake. Michael's voice was low controlled but deadly serious you think that's going to fix this you think an apology is enough to make up for what you just did the officer couldn't meet. Michael's eyes his whole demeanor collapsing under the weight of his realization. Michael took a step back letting out a long breath.
I want your badge number now the officer fumbled to provide the number his voice barely a whisper as he recited it. Michael took out his phone jotting it down calmly before looking the officer in the eye one last time. You'll be hearing from me again. Michael said his tone final and next time you won't be getting off so easily with that he turned and walked away leaving the officer standing there paralyzed With Fear And Regret as. Michael walked down the empty Street his mind was already racing ahead this incident wasn't just personal it was a symptom of a much larger problem one he was in a position to finally address headon and after tonight that change was going to happen one way or another.
Michael walked briskly down the street the weight of the night's event settling heavily on his shoulders his jaw still achd from the officer's punch and the faint sting of the handcuffs lingered on his wrists but more than the physical pain it was the anger bubbling beneath the surface that fueled his steps he couldn't let this slide as he turned the corner away from the scene he pulled out his phone his fingers shaking slightly not from fear but from the adrenaline still coursing through him he dialed quickly The Familiar number ringing in his ear after a few rings a voice answered. Joshua. Michael said his voice clipped and direct I need you to meet me at City Hall now. Joshua's voice came through confused but concerned what happened I was just about to I'll explain when you get there. Michael interrupted just get there as soon as you you can without waiting for a response.
Michael ended the call and slipped his phone back into his pocket his mind raced as he made his way toward City Hall the lights of the City casting Long Shadows on the quiet streets the officer's smug face flashed in his memory but more than that the image of his own reflection in the glass window pinned bruised humiliated stuck with him this wasn't just about him anymore it was about what this represented the unchecked power the blatant profiling the disregard for basic respect it was all too familiar and as mayor he had the power to do something about it by the time he reached City Hall. Joshua was already waiting outside his face drawn with concern what happened you sounded off on the phone. Michael sighed taking a moment to steady his thoughts before answering I was harassed and assaulted by one of our own officers tonight I was almost arrested. Joshua's eyes widened in shock what are you serious. Michael nodded grimly dead serious he didn't know who I was just as I was up to no good because I was standing in a rich part of town at night.
Joshua shook his head disbelief written across his face that's I don't even know what to say what are we going to do we're going to act. Michael said firmly I'm done letting this kind of thing slide I've been talking about reform for too long now I have the proof this isn't just some abstract problem it happened to me. Joshua looked at him his eyes serious so what's the plan. Michael's mind was already working through the details first we're filing a formal complaint against the officer officer I have his badge number then we're taking this up with the police chief this has to be handled at the highest level I'm going to make sure this officer faces the consequences of his actions and beyond that. Joshua asked what about the broader issue.
Michael's jaw tightened as he remembered the officer's sneering face the Casual violence with which he had treated him this is going to be the Catalyst I've been pushing for reform in the department for months but now I have the leverage I need we're going to take this public if we have to the community needs to know that this kind of behavior won't be tolerated anymore. Joshua nodded his expression serious I'm with you whatever you need good. Michael said because this isn't going to be easy the department will push back and the officer will try to spin this any way he can but we're not backing down. Joshua looked at him for a moment then asked quietly are you okay though I mean physically. Michael touched his jaw wincing slightly at the lingering pain I'll be fine it's not the first time I've taken a hit but this it's bigger than that we have to make sure this never happens again to anyone.
Joshua nodded his face Grim all right let's get to work as they entered City Hall. Michael felt the weight of the night's event settle into purpose this was his moment to act to turn the Injustice he'd faced into the fuel for the change the city desperately needed the officer's smug face and careless actions were a reminder of the systemic problems he'd been trying to fight for years but now it was personal and he wasn't going to let it go this time things were going to change the next day. Michael walked into the police precinct his jaw still sore from the previous night's assault the morning lights streamed Through the Windows casting Long Shadows across the tile floor. Joshua followed close behind his face set with a determined expression they moved with purpose toward the front desk where an officer glanced up from his paperwork immediately recognizing. Michael I'm here to see.