It described the Carter incident as an ongoing investigation.
The statement said that officers had responded to a traffic-related situation involving a driver who allegedly failed to comply with instructions.
It also stated that the department took allegations of excessive force seriously.
The final paragraph read:
"The department is committed to transparency, professionalism, and public trust. Additional information will be released when appropriate."
Emily read the statement on her phone.
She felt angry.
Not because the department had refused to discuss every detail.
She understood that an investigation required caution.
She was angry because the statement repeated the allegation that Daniel had failed to comply.
It did not mention the broken window.
It did not mention the injuries.
It did not mention the video.
It did not acknowledge that the officer's report was being questioned.
She forwarded the statement to Michael.
His response came ten minutes later.
"Don't react publicly yet. We need to review the evidence and decide how to respond."
Daniel was sitting on the couch.
He noticed his sister's expression.
"What happened?"
"The department released a statement."
"About us?"
"Yes."
"What does it say?"
Emily handed him the phone.
Daniel read it slowly.
When he reached the final paragraph, he lowered the device.
"They're making me sound like the problem."
Emily sat beside him.
"They haven't reviewed everything yet."
"Then why are they repeating the officer's version?"
She had no answer.
Daniel looked at the photograph on the coffee table.
It showed him, Sophie, and their mother Margaret standing outside a restaurant.
They were smiling.
It had been taken two months earlier.
He picked it up.
"I just wanted to get Mom her birthday present."
Emily placed a hand on his arm.
"I know."
"I didn't want any of this."
"I know."
He looked at the broken watch on his wrist.
It had stopped working when he fell.
The glass was cracked.
He had bought it with his first salary after graduating from university.
It had accompanied him through job interviews, family vacations, and difficult years.
Now it was another reminder of the roadside.
Daniel placed it carefully on the table.
Then he said something Emily would remember for a long time.
"I don't want my daughter growing up believing that the truth only matters when powerful people agree with it."
Emily looked at him.
"Then we won't let that happen."
CHAPTER 11: THE FIRST PUBLIC WITNESS
Three days later, Michael received a phone call from an unfamiliar number.
A man introduced himself as Marcus Hill.
He said he had seen the video of Daniel's traffic stop.
"I think I know the officer," Marcus explained.
Michael asked him to provide his full name and contact information.
Marcus agreed to meet.
The meeting took place at Michael's law office.
Marcus arrived wearing a work uniform.
He was forty-six years old and worked as a delivery supervisor.
He looked nervous.
"I don't want trouble," he said immediately.
Michael invited him to sit down.
"You're not obligated to discuss anything. We simply want to understand what you personally experienced."
Marcus nodded.
"Three years ago, I was stopped by Richard Harlan."
Daniel looked at him.
"Near a shopping center?"
Marcus stared.
"How did you know?"
"Laura Bennett mentioned your incident."
Marcus looked surprised.
"Laura?"
"She worked in the department's administrative office."
Marcus shook his head.
"I filed a complaint back then. Nobody ever contacted me again."
Michael asked:
"Can you describe what happened?"
Marcus began speaking.
He had been driving a delivery van when Harlan activated his emergency lights.
He pulled over immediately.
The officer demanded identification.
Marcus reached toward the glove compartment.
Harlan shouted.
Marcus stopped.
The officer accused him of reaching for something suspicious.
A verbal argument followed.
Then Harlan grabbed him and pushed him against the van.
The driver's side mirror was damaged.
Marcus was eventually released without being charged with a crime.
He later filed a formal complaint.
"I thought someone would investigate," Marcus said.
"Did they?"
"An investigator called me once. He asked whether I had any video. I said no."
"And then?"
"Nothing."
Marcus reached into his bag.
He removed an old photograph.
It showed the damaged mirror on his delivery van.
Michael examined it.
"Do you still have the original complaint paperwork?"
Marcus nodded.
"I kept everything."
He placed a folder on the table.
Inside were copies of emails, photographs, and a letter confirming that his complaint had been closed.
Daniel looked at the documents.