The implications of systemic issues hung heavy in the air judge Carter made several notes before addressing the courtroom we'll adjourn for today tomorrow. Morning I want to hear from the Department's record supervisor and it manager detective Martinez please ensure they have full documentation ready regarding these technical issues and chain of custody protocols. As people began filing out Savannah remained seated the weight of the day's Revelations visible in her posture her confident facade had crumbled entirely replaced. By a growing understanding of the damage she'd caused judge Carter watched her for a moment before speaking officer Mitchell she looked up startled I expect you. Back here tomorrow morning there are still questions you need to answer yes your honor she whispered in the Gathering dusk outside the courthouse.
Three conversation took place simultaneously in his Chambers judge Carter spoke quietly with his clerk about subpoenaing records from River Creek in the parking lot. Darnell hugged his sister both of them finally allowing themselves to hope for justice and in a dimly lit stairwell Sergeant Thompson found Savannah sitting alone. Her head in her hands Mitchell he said softly she looked up her eyes red I didn't I never meant I know Thompson replied sitting beside. Her but meaning to hurt people and hurting them anyway sometimes that's worse because it means you didn't even think enough about them to consider how your actions would affect. Their lives the truth of his words settled over her like a heavy blanket in the growing Darkness officer Savannah Mitchell began to understand.
That the real measure of authority wasn't in how much power you could wield but in how carefully you wielded it Don broke over. The city courthouse painting the stone facade in shades of Amber inside his Chambers judge Marcus Carter sat reviewing a stack of newly acquired documents. His morning coffee growing cold beside him each page seemed to add another layer to what had started as a simple case of police misconduct knock. At his door preceded Sarah Chen's entrance your honor the files you requested from River Creek arrived overnight Carter accepted the thick manila envelope noting. The expedited delivery stamp judge Henderson came through yes sir she also included a personal note Sarah handed over a sealed letter Carter read it quickly.
His expression darkening she says there's been pressured to restrict access to certain records interesting timing he placed the letter in his desk drawer what about the it manager's report Mr Phillips is waiting. Outside with Detective Martine as they found something you need to see the judge nodded send them in James Phillips the Department's it manager entered alongside. Detective Martinez Phillips was a nervous man in his 50s clutching a laptop to his chest like a shield detective Martinez's calm presence seemed to steady him. As they took their seats Mr Phillips Carter began I understand you've discovered some irregularities in the Department's digital records Phillips glanced at Martin. As before speaking yes your honor after your order to investigate the missing footage I did a deep dive into our storage systems the corrupted files weren't random glitches explain Phillips opened.