Page 69 of Dead Air
Commendation letters filled these pages. Citations for exposing corrupt officers. Recognition for maintaining departmental integrity during difficult periods. Awards for ethical leadership presented by community oversight committees.
"He exposed corruption?" Lawson struggled to reconcile these documents with her understanding of Richardson's character.
"Selectively." Claire tapped a specific commendation. "Always officers outside his direct command. Always with substantial evidence provided anonymously to internal affairs. Never cases connected to his previous assignments."
"Playing both sides." Fiona's journalist mind connected patterns quickly. "Building a reputation as corruption fighter while protecting his own operations."
"Or deeper game." Claire arranged the documents in chronological order. "Creating controlled exposure of minor corruption to deflect attention from larger systemic issues."
Lawson studied the timeline Claire had constructed. Richardson's career mapped against department scandals and reforms. Each exposure he orchestrated coincided precisely to times when public scrutiny threatened to expand beyond his control.
"Sacrificing pawns to protect more valuable pieces." The chess metaphor emerged naturally from the strategic pattern. "Making himself appear heroic while actually consolidating power."
"Exactly." Claire extracted a folder from her briefcase, placing it carefully at the center of the table. "This is the most concerning element. Psychiatric evaluation conducted ten years ago following an officer-involved shooting under his command."
"Department-mandated assessment?"
"Required after his officer killed a suspect under questionable circumstances." Claire opened the folder with evident reluctance. "The evaluation notes are … troubling."
The psychological assessment spanned multiple pages. Clinical language describing personality traits and behavioral tendencies. Standardized test results presented in graphs and percentiles. Then, the psychiatrist's narrative assessment, highlighted sections standing out against the clinical jargon.
"Subject displays characteristics consistent with survivor's guilt stemming from early career trauma." Lawson read aloud. "Compounded by messiah complex regarding departmental integrity and personal responsibility for justice outcomes."
Fiona leaned closer to read another section. "Demonstrates rigid moral framework with self as ultimate arbiter of ethical boundaries. Rejects institutional limitations when they conflict with personal justice model."
The final highlighted section chilled the room despite the warm evening. Claire pointed to the psychiatrist's concluding observation: "Subject capable of extreme actions if believes justified by greater good. Recommending ongoing therapeutic intervention and leadership role review."
"He rejected the recommended therapy." Claire flipped to the final page. "Signature here refusing further sessions, citing departmental priorities requiring his full attention."
"And continued rising through the ranks despite this assessment." Lawson felt pieces clicking into place within her understanding of Richardson. "Because he was effective at maintaining appearance of departmental integrity while actually controlling which corruption was exposed."
"The perfect shield." Fiona's voice carried reluctant admiration for the strategic brilliance. "Reputation as corruption fighter protecting his own operations."
Claire closed the file with a decisive movement. "There's one more thing. The address listed for emergency contact differs from his Magnolia Way residence."
She slid a photocopy across the table. Property deed for a cabin twenty miles outside Savannah city limits. Remote location accessible by a single private road. Purchased fifteen years ago through a family trust rather than under Richardson's personal name.
"Officially a weekend retreat." Claire tapped the document. "But utility records show consistent electrical usage patterns regardless of season or occupancy claims."
"A secondary operations base." Lawson studied the location coordinates. "Private. Isolated. Perfect for activities that can't happen at his primary residence."
"Or perfect fishing alibi location with no witnesses to confirm or deny his presence." Fiona added the logical alternative.
The television volume suddenly increased as breaking news graphics flashed across the screen. Fiona grabbed the remote, raising the sound further as the anchor's grave expression filled the frame.
"Breaking news in the Leah Blackwell disappearance investigation. The Savannah Police Department has issued an arrest warrant for suspended Detective Erin Lawson, officially naming her as primary suspect in the podcast host's abduction.Chief Wallace released the following statement just moments ago."
The screen switched to Wallace at department headquarters, standing before assembled press with practiced solemnity.
"Evidence recovered from the crime scene has established Detective Lawson's direct involvement in Ms. Blackwell's disappearance. We are currently executing search warrants at multiple locations. I urge Detective Lawson to surrender peacefully to avoid further complications in what has become a disturbing case of police misconduct."
The anchor returned, reading from a teleprompter with professional concern. "Sources within the department indicate digital evidence links Detective Lawson directly to the crime scene hours before the abduction. Authorities ask anyone with information regarding her whereabouts to contact the special task force established for this investigation."
Lawson's phone rang, Parks' number appearing on the screen. She answered immediately, putting it on speaker.
"They're fabricating evidence." Parks' voice carried urgency without panic. "Wallace ordered digital forensics to create timestamp modifications showing you at the scene earlier yesterday. They're executing a warrant at your apartment right now."
"What evidence are they planting?" Claire's question cut straight to the critical concern.
