Chief. Harland. Michael said firmly his voice controlled but calm the officer hesitated casting a nervous glance toward. Michael's bruised face um yes sir I'll let him know you're here he quickly picked up the phone relaying the message within minutes police chief harand appeared from his office at the back of the station he was a tall broad-shouldered man in his early 50s with graying hair and a no-nonsense demeanor his eyes quickly flicked to. Michael's bruised jaw and his expression became more serious Mr Trent harlon said extending a hand which.
Michael ignored come to my office we need to discuss what happened without waiting for a response. Haron turned and led them down a long hallway his steps heavy with authority they reached his office and as the door closed behind them the room grew tense Harlen gestured toward the chairs in front of his desk but. Michael remained standing I understand there was an incident last night. Chief. Harland said his voice neutral though there was a hint of defensiveness incident.
Michael repeated his voice sharp I was harassed and assaulted by one of your officers I was nearly arrested for standing on a sidewalk and you're calling it an incident before. Harland could respond the door opened and officer Greg. Mason walked in his face pale and tight he glanced nervously at. Michael but quickly looked away officer. Mason harlon said motioning to a chair we need to clear this up.
Mason sat down his body stiff his bravado from the previous night was gone replaced by nervousness as the weight of his actions began to sink in he glanced at Harlen then back at. Michael unable to maintain eye contact. Michael took a step forward his eyes locked on. Mason tell me officer. Mason what exactly were thinking last night when you decided to ignore everything I said and escalated a situation that didn't need to be anything more than a conversation.
Mason shifted uncomfortably in his chair I I didn't know who you were I thought you thought. Michael interrupted his voice icy you thought you had the right to treat me like a criminal because I didn't fit your idea of who should be standing in that neighborhood at night you didn't care about the truth Chief harland's expression hardened as he turned to. Mason officer. Mason you're aware that this beh behavior is unacceptable why didn't you deescalate the situation. Mason's eyes flicked between harlon and.
Michael. I made. A mistake he muttered his voice barely above a whisper I thought he was I didn't know you didn't know. Michael's voice Rose you didn't know because you didn't care to find out you let your Prejudice dictate your actions and when I called you out on it you responded with violence. Mason swallowed hard his face pale I'm sorry he whispered.
Sorry isn't going to fix this. Michael said his voice sharp you need to understand what you did you didn't just assault me you violated your oath you're supposed to protect and serve this community not terrorize it. Haron nodded his tone more serious now officer. Mason you've crossed a line and there will be consequences I've already placed you on suspension pending an internal investigation. Mason opened his mouth to respond but harland's cold gaze silenced him he looked back at.
Michael his face pale and remorseful but it didn't matter the damage had already been done. Michael turned to Harlen his voice calm but firm this isn't just about one officer's Behavior this is about a culture in your department that allows officers like. Mason to think they can get away with this he didn't see me as a person he saw me as a threat and that's a systemic issue one that needs to be addressed now harlon's face tightened but he nodded slowly I understand your frustration Mr Trent and I'm committed to addressing this situation. Michael crossed his arms his expression unrelenting addressing it this needs more than just an internal investigation this needs to be public people need to know that this department is taking real steps to reform I want a full report made public transparency accountability Chief harland's face hardened slightly but he kept his tone measured we'll make sure the investigation is thorough and appropriate action will be taken. Michael took a step closer to harland's desk his voice lowering but filled with purpose this is bigger than one incident Chief this is about the future of this department if real reforms don't happen I'll make sure the public knows what's going on this city deserves better.
Haron held. Michael's gaze for a long moment before finally nodding understood. Michael turned to. Mason One Last Time his voice quieter but no less forceful you thought you could get away with this because you assumed you had all the power but now you know you don't and there will be consequences for your actions. Mason didn't respond he couldn't even meet.
Michael's gaze without another word. Michael turned and left the office. Joshua following closely behind the the air outside felt lighter but. Michael knew this wasn't over the fight for justice and reform had just begun and this time he wouldn't stop until the changes were made as they exited the precinct. Michael knew that the momentum was finally on his side now it was time to make sure the system changed for Good.
Michael left the precinct with a clear mind his steps steady as he and. Joshua made their way to the car the cold morning air filled his lungs as he breathed in deeply processing the enormity of what had just transpired he had put the wheels of accountability in motion but this was only the beginning reform real change was going to take more than one meeting with the police chief. Joshua broke the silence as they reached the car do you think they'll follow through they'll have to. Michael said sliding into the driver's seat this isn't something they can sweep under the rug not this time. Joshua nodded but still looked concerned what if they make.