Page 82 of Dead Air
The camera remained fixed on Blackwell's face in an uncomfortable close-up. Someone off-screen was clearly directing her words, forcing this public recantation underduress. The static framing suggested a camera fixed on a tripod rather than a professional production setup.
"My allegations were based on incomplete information and flawed analysis." Blackwell paused between sentences, struggling to maintain focus. Eyes occasionally drifting before snapping back to the camera. "The Savannah Police Department conducted thorough investigations into both Detective Landry's murder and Detective Hutchinson's suicide."
Parks leaned closer to the screen, professional assessment evident in his expression. "Forced statement. Classic hostage protocol. Reading prepared text under duress."
"But why broadcast it?" Lawson kept her eyes focused on Blackwell's face, looking for any signs of coded communication or hidden messaging. "They already have her in custody. Why risk exposure through public broadcast?"
"Public damage control. Discredit her previous reporting before anyone can act on the evidence she revealed through the automated releases." Parks' understanding of tactical motivation provided immediate insight. "Classic counterintelligence approach. Undermine the messenger after the message has spread."
Blackwell continued reading from what was obviously a prepared script, voice flattened of natural intonation. "I apologize for any harm caused by my irresponsible journalism. The podcast will cease production immediately."
Then, something changed in her expression. Her eyelids began moving in a rapid pattern. Not random blinking from exhaustion but systematic sequences with deliberate timing.
"She's signaling." Lawson grabbed a pen from the console, transcribing the blink patterns onto a napkin. "Morse code. She's using her eyelids to communicate."
F-I-N-D T-H-E J-U-D-G-E.
"Find the judge." Parks read over her shoulder as she decoded the message. "Does she know about Byrd? How would she have that information if she's being held by Hutchinson?"
The video stream ended abruptly mid-sentence. The Dead Air website returned to its standard homepage without additional content or announcements. No explanation for the broadcast or its sudden termination.
Lawson immediately called Claire back. "Did you see it? The broadcast?"
"I did. Recording it for evidence preservation."
"The blinking. It was Morse code. She signaled 'find the judge.'"
"Well, that aligns perfectly with what I just discovered." Claire's voice carried controlled excitement. "I just finished a quick analysis of Byrd's case history. Thirty-seven cases involving Thomas Hutchinson as defense counsel over the past eight years. All resulted in dismissals, reduced charges, or unusually advantageous plea agreements."
"Statistical impossibility."
"Beyond impossibility. Criminal conspiracy with documented pattern." Claire's typing resumed in the background. "I'm organizing everything into evidence packages for federal prosecutors. The pattern is so clear even a first-year law student could see it."
"How long will that take to process through official channels?"
"Hours for preliminary filing. Days for comprehensive presentation and formal action." Claire paused briefly. "But we have enough now to request immediate federal intervention based on corruption of judicial office."
Lawson considered their options while Parks conducted another security sweep of the area through the car windows. The evidence against Judge Byrd remained technicallycircumstantial but compelling in its consistency. Monica's video provided direct proof of corruption. Blackwell's coded message confirmed Byrd's central role in whatever was happening now.
"There's more." Claire's voice carried fresh urgency. "I found something else in Byrd's judicial record while searching case histories. She personally authorized the evidence transfer that moved Monica's case files to storage."
"Personally authorized?" Lawson straightened, the significance immediately apparent.
"Signed order dated three days after Monica's murder. Transferred all physical evidence to 'secure archive facility pending case resolution.'" Claire's disgust colored every word. "She was cleaning up her own crime scene using judicial authority."
"Using her position to obstruct investigation into her own criminal actions." Lawson completed the thought. "Perfect cover. No one questions a judge's evidence handling orders."
Parks gestured toward the road. "We should move. I'll ride with you."
"What about your car?" Lawson asked, glancing toward where Parks had parked on the other side of the lot.
"It's secure here. Too isolated for random theft, and I'd rather maintain our conversation than split up. I can grab it later after we decide our next move."
Lawson nodded in agreement as she started her engine while continuing the conversation with Claire. "What about federal contacts? Any response to the evidence packages you sent earlier about Hutchinson?"
"Agent Komarov confirmed receipt and indicated high-priority classification. FBI organized crime task force is reviewing everything." Claire's tone carried cautious optimism. "Federal wheels turn slowly, but they're turning."
"Not slowly enough for Thomas Hutchinson. He's had time to relocate Blackwell multiple times since reaching Belize."
