Page 64 of Dead Air
"Not just him." Dylan continued scrolling to reveal additional sections. Notes about Chief Wallace's rapid promotion after Monica's case went cold. Questions about Judge Byrd's financial connections to businesses investigated during the Rafferty case.
"The corruption network Monica discovered. Blackwell found the same evidence and followed it to the top of the department." Lawson felt ice forming in her chest as pieces connected.
"Wait." Claire pointed to another section. "There's your name."
The section titled "Lawson's Omissions" contained a detailed analysis of discrepancies in Lawson's official statement after Monica's death. Notes about her relationship with Monica, thedrinking before the warehouse meeting, suspicious behavior in the months following the murder.
Then, a highlighted section made Lawson's breath catch: "Second Recording confirms Richardson present at warehouse. Voice analysis matches warning to Lawson."
"She had proof Richardson was there that night. Audio confirmation he was present when Monica died."
Parks read over her shoulder, expression hardening with each revealed detail. "Richardson mentored both of you, didn't he? You and Landry?"
"First year on homicide." Lawson nodded slowly. "He specifically requested us for his division."
"You shouldn't have trusted him. Some mentors betray their students." Fiona quoted the words from the interrupted broadcast. "The voice on the podcast."
Dylan clicked to another section of the document. "She has the recording here."
He opened an audio file embedded in the document. The computer speakers emitted Richardson's distinctive voice, unmistakable.
"Ray, it's done. Clean up and get out. I'll handle Lawson when she arrives."
The short clip ended. Silence fell over their small group as the implications crystallized.
"Richardson set the whole thing up." Lawson struggled to process the betrayal. "Orchestrated Monica's murder. Used Ray as the triggerman. Planned to deal with me next."
"But something went wrong." Parks added the logical conclusion. "You arrived earlier than expected, or he lost his opportunity."
"Then spent five years burying evidence and blocking the investigation." Claire completed the picture. "Until Blackwell started digging it all up again."
A commotion at the elevator drew their attention. Chief Wallace emerged surrounded by administrative staff and senior officers. His gaze locked onto their small group immediately, expression darkening at the sight of Lawson.
"Lieutenant Parks." Wallace's voice carried across the crime scene, freezing activity throughout the floor. "Why is Detective Lawson contaminating my crime scene after explicit instructions to exclude her from this investigation?"
Parks straightened to his full height. "I take full responsibility, sir. Detective Lawson has provided valuable context regarding the victim's investigation."
"That context makes her a person of interest." Wallace approached with measured steps. His entourage followed like courtiers behind royalty. "Ms. Blackwell's podcast directly implicated Detective Lawson in misconduct related to the Landry murder."
Dylan quietly closed his laptop as the confrontation unfolded, protecting the evidence they'd just discovered.
"With respect, sir," Parks maintained a professional tone despite the public challenge to his authority, "Detective Lawson has an alibi for the time of Blackwell's abduction. I've verified her whereabouts personally."
Wallace's expression hardened. "Lieutenant, this is not an Internal Affairs matter. This is a criminal investigation that falls under my direct authority."
"With respect, sir," Parks stood his ground, "the potential involvement of department personnel makes this precisely an Internal Affairs matter. My division has jurisdiction whenever officers' conduct comes into question."
Wallace's voice lowered dangerously. "And I'm determining that Detective Lawson's presence compromises this investigation."
"Standard IA protocol allows me to interview all relevant personnel," Parks countered. "Detective Lawson's insights on the Blackwell investigation are critical, given her connection to the Landry case."
The power play unfolded with practiced efficiency.
Without the ability to force Parks to leave, Wallace turned to Lawson. "Detective," Wallace continued, "consider yourself on administrative leave pending internal review of your connection to this case. Surrender your badge and service weapon to Captain Reynolds before leaving the scene."
Claire stepped forward. "My client will comply under protest and with full reservation of rights. Any disciplinary action will be challenged through appropriate legal channels."
"Your client?" Wallace's eyebrow rose. "Is Detective Lawson in need of legal representation, Ms. Stevens?"
