Page 98 of Dead Air
"And the evidence?"
"I need time. Time to process everything. Get my life together. Five months sober before this all exploded. Need to maintain that while I figure out what comes next."
"This evidence could collapse half the legal system in Savannah." Claire gestured toward the container. "Federal investigation into Bureau corruption. Criminal prosecution of high-ranking FBI personnel. Civil suits from everyone convicted through Byrd's court."
"I know." Lawson stood, lifting the container from the table. "That's why I'm giving it to someone better equipped to handle it than me."
"Who?"
"Someone who knows how to tell this story the right way. Someone who almost died trying to expose the truth."
Claire nodded in understanding. "Blackwell."
"She's already got an audience of millions. Public platform that can't be easily silenced or buried in bureaucracy."
"What about Drummond? He'll come after this evidence the moment he realizes it exists."
"Let him try." Lawson's eyes hardened. "Monica and Ray both deserve justice. Real justice, not the kind Byrd claimed to deliver. Not the kind the Bureau buried to protect careers."
They left the viewing room, signed the necessary documentation confirming their access to the box, and walked through the bank's marble lobby toward the entrance. Morning sunlight streamed through the glass doors ahead, illuminating their path forward.
Truth no longer needed vaults or whispers. It needed sunlight, and Lawson knew exactly who could provide it.
dead air episode 7:
"Final Transmission"
[Somber electronic theme music fades in, then quiets]
LEAH BLACKWELL:This is Dead Air. I'm Leah Blackwell. Today's episode marks the conclusion of our investigation into Detective Monica Landry's murder.
Five years ago, a dedicated officer died pursuing truth. Her investigation into judicial corruption cost her life. For five years, that truth remained buried beneath fabricated evidence, redirected investigations, and institutional silence.
No more.
[Brief pause]
I've spent the past week recovering from my own encounter with the forces that silenced Detective Landry. Many of you witnessed my abduction during our live broadcast. That experience gave me firsthand insight into how far certain individuals would go to maintain their secrets.
Today, I can reveal the complete truth about what happened to Monica Landry and the systematic corruption she uncovered. This account is supported by evidence secured in multiple locations, now in the hands of federal prosecutors.
[Sound of shuffling papers]
Let's start with the most recent development. Thomas Hutchinson, senior partner at Hutchinson & Associates, is currently in federal custody. Contrary to reports that he fled the country with me as his hostage, Hutchinson boarded his private jet with a hired decoy—a young woman of similar build wearing my clothing and kept sedated during transport.
This deception was orchestrated by Judge Elizabeth Byrd to create the impression I had been taken out of the country, diverting attention from my actual location in her pool house, where I was held under sedation until rescued by federal agents.
[Brief pause]
The federal warrant for Thomas Hutchinson's arrest details his role in orchestrating his brother Ray's murder, staging it as a suicide after Ray threatened to expose their criminal enterprise. Ray, contrary to his statements, never had a romantic relationship with Monica. Rather, he used it as a cover so that he could assist her in her investigation into the Rafferty case. If they were having a romantic relationship, it made sense for them to spend time together, at least that's what he figured.
So, who killed Ray Hutchinson? Who falsified the suicide note claiming responsibility for Monica Landry's death?
Because Ray Hutchinson didn't kill Monica Landry.
[Music intensifies]
The truth is far more disturbing. Monica Landry and Ray Hutchinson were both killed by former Captain Thomas Richardson under orders from his FBI handler.
