Page 102 of Dead Air
"You hid this connection during your investigation."
"I had to. A journalist investigating family murders becomes a human-interest story, not serious reporting." Blackwell tucked the photo away. "The evidence needed to stand on its own merits, not filtered through emotional family connections."
"Understandable." Lawson's response came easier than expected. "I probably wouldn't have trusted you if I'd known."
"Still. I misrepresented myself. Used you as content when you were grieving."
"You got justice when the system failed. That's what matters in the end."
Blackwell reached into her bag and extracted a manila folder. "I brought something. From my mother's collection. Family photos Monica might not have shared with you."
The folder contained photographs Lawson had never seen. Monica as a teenager, laughing at a family picnic. Monica in agraduation cap, standing beside a younger version of Blackwell. Monica at a family wedding, radiant in a bridesmaid dress.
"Thank you," Lawson said simply.
"My mother wanted you to have them. She said Monica talked about you. Said you made her happy."
The statement opened fresh wounds just beginning to scab over. Lawson nodded, unable to formulate an adequate response.
”Erin found this," Claire said, breaking the moment. She handed Blackwell the letter.
Blackwell read it, expression softening as she absorbed Monica's final words to Lawson. "She was planning to leave law enforcement."
"Like me. Too late."
"Not too late to honor what she wanted." Blackwell returned the letter. "A fresh start somewhere. Living honestly."
"After your story concludes."
“I don’t think I’ll be airing another episode of Silence in Savannah, actually. Drummond wouldn’t return my request for comment, and the Bureau’s going to take some time to make structural changes to prevent similar corruption.”
“Where do you think you’ll head next, then?” Lawson asked.
“D.C. for a new series. Maybe they won’t volunteer the statements I asked for, but that doesn’t mean I should stop pushing on what we as Americans deserve.”
“Which is?” Claire chimed in.
“Transparency. Honesty from our public officials.” She turned to Lawson. “Would you consider a brief statement? For the opening episode?”
Lawson hesitated. "What kind of statement?"
"Your perspective on justice. On Monica's legacy. On moving forward after learning the system failed both of you."
The request shouldn't have surprised her. Blackwell remained a journalist despite their newfound understanding.
"I'll think about it."
Claire glanced at her watch. "I should go. Court prep waiting at home."
Blackwell nodded. "I should leave too. Just wanted to drop off those photos."
"Stay," Lawson said, surprising herself. "Both of you. There's something I want to show you."
She retrieved a bottle from the kitchen cabinet. Sparkling water, not the bourbon that would have occupied that space six months ago. Three glasses joined it on the counter.
"A toast," she explained at their questioning looks. "To Monica. To justice finally delivered. To what comes next."
They raised their glasses.
