They want us scattered and afraid. We'll show them united and determined. A creek from the back stairs drew everyone's attention. Deputy Carlos Ramirez stood in the doorway, still in uniform, his expression unreadable. The room tensed.
Aaron noticed how Ramirez's hand stayed away from his weapon. A deliberate choice to appear non-threatening. "Deput?" Aaron acknowledged calmly, though his muscles coiled instinctively. "This is a public meeting. You're welcome to observe." Ramirez nodded once and took a seat in the back corner.
Some people shifted their chairs away from him while others whispered behind raised hands. Aaron redirected attention to the matter at hand. We're planning a peaceful march for next Saturday. 2 Miles starting from the courthouse and ending at city hall. He unrolled a map across the table.
We'll need marshals every 50 ft. All trained in deescalation. Reverend Matthews, his gray hair catching the fluorescent light, leaned forward. What about permits? They'll use any excuse to shut us down.
Already submitted, Aaron replied, "Judge Kimble helped ensure the paperwork is bulletproof, but we need to be prepared for provocators." For the next hour, they detailed roots, emergency protocols, and media strategies. Aaron noticed how Ramirez took no notes, but his eyes tracked every speaker, his expression growing increasingly troubled. Remember, Aaron emphasized, phones out and recording at all times, multiple angles. We document everything. He distributed laminated cards with legal aid numbers and civil rights attorneys contacts.
Mrs. Washington raised another concern. What about Miller's supporters? They've been gathering at the gun shop after hours. We stay peaceful, Aaron insisted.
No exceptions. That's how we win, by showing discipline they can't match. Throughout the planning, Aaron kept peripheral awareness of Ramirez. The deputy's fingers drumed against his knee when Miller's name came up. His shoulders tensed at mentions of police misconduct.
Most telling was how he avoided eye contact when specific incidents were discussed, like he knew exactly what they were talking about. The meeting shifted to organizing medical support stations and water distribution. Local nurses volunteered their time. Business owners offered their storefronts as safe havens if needed. We'll need legal observers.
Aaron continued, "Yellow vests," clearly marked. "Judge Kimble is coordinating with the bar association." Ramirez shifted in his chair, and Aaron caught a fleeting expression, something between guilt and resolution. The deputy's wedding ring glinted as he rubbed his thumb across it, a nervous gesture. As the meeting wound down, people broke into smaller groups, discussing assignments and exchanging contact information. Aaron watched Ramirez stand and hesitate.
Looking like he wanted to speak, but couldn't find the words. Their eyes met briefly across the room. Aaron saw conflict there, maybe even a plea for understanding. He recognized that look from his military days. Someone carrying a burden they didn't know how to put down.