Carter, I'm Marcus Brooks, Angela's husband. Relief softened her features. Oh, thank goodness. Please come in. I've been so worried about Angela since they took her away.
Inside, the house was immaculate. Photos of family lined the walls, furniture well-maintained from decades of care. "Mrs. " Carter led Marcus to her kitchen table, where scattered papers and letters covered the surface. "Would you like some coffee? " she asked, already reaching for a mug. Yes, thank you.
Marcus settled into a chair, noticing official letterheads among the papers. Mrs. Carter, I need to understand what's been happening in the neighborhood. Angela mentioned police pressure to sell homes. Mrs.
Carter's hands trembled slightly as she poured the coffee. It started 6 months ago. First, they came to the Williams family down the street. Police cars, late night visits, noise complaints, all made up. Within two weeks, the Williams sold their house for half its value.
She sat down, pushing several letters toward Marcus. Then they started on others. The Jacksons got tired of being pulled over every time they left their driveway. The Petersons couldn't take the constant anonymous tips about drug activity. Everyone who sold got the same offer from Vision Heights Development.
Marcus examined the letters, official notices of code violations, police reports, and finally lowball offers from the developer. The pattern was obvious. 3 days ago, Mrs. Carter continued, her voice stronger now. Captain Hol himself came to my door.
Said he'd hate to see an elderly widow like me have trouble with the law. That's when Angela started checking on me every day. Marcus's jaw tightened. Did Hol mention the developer? Not directly, but the Vision Heights representative arrived an hour later with papers talking about how unsafe the neighborhood was becoming.
She straightened in her chair. "This is my home. My Herbert and I built our life here. I won't be bullied out of it. " Marcus pulled out his phone, photographing each document. "May I take these?
My lawyer needs to see the pattern. Take whatever helps. Mrs. Carter stood and walked to a desk drawer. I have more.
The Robinson family left copies of everything before they moved. Said someone needed to keep proof. For the next hour, Marcus sorted through papers, building a timeline. Property records showed Vision Heights buying homes at 40% below market value, always within days of police incidents. His phone buzzed.
A text from Diana Washington. Angela's arraignment at 11:00 a.m. Judge Matthews presiding. Marcus checked his watch. 8:45 a.m.