Price's voice was grim. Isaiah Boon was that inspector. This morning, I saw him being harassed by police, and now I'm certain his current situation isn't accidental. It's the result of systematic retaliation. Maya pulled out a notebook, already taking notes.
The original violations. What were we talking about? Structural issues in multiple properties, all owned by the same network of shell companies. When Boon started connecting the dots, his life fell apart. Price stood, pacing behind his desk.
I can't directly involve myself. Not with the position I hold, but you. "I can investigate," Maya finished. Talk to him. Build a case if there's something there.
She looked up from her notes. "Where can I find him? " Price described Isaiah's usual location. There's an outreach van that parks near there. The social workers might know more. He paused.
Maya, be careful. The people behind this, they've already shown what they're willing to do to protect themselves. They usually do, she replied, standing. But they also usually make mistakes. Nobody's perfect at covering their tracks.
The judge watched her gather her things. He won't trust easily. After what happened? Good, Maya said firmly. He shouldn't.
Trust has to be earned, especially when the systems already failed someone this badly. An hour later, Maya spotted the outreach van parked in a quiet side street. Two social workers were distributing supplies, and she recognized Isaiah from the judge's description. He stood slightly apart from the small group, his posture marking him as someone who preferred to remain unnoticed. She approached carefully, making sure he saw her coming.
"Mr. Boon, I'm Maya Bennett. I'd like to talk to you about what happened this morning. " Isaiah's expression closed immediately. "Nothing happened this morning. " That's not what Judge Price told me. She kept her voice low, respectful of his privacy.
He also told me about your work as a city inspector. Judge Price should mind his own business. Isaiah said flatly, starting to turn away. The unsafe buildings you reported, they're still there, Maya pressed. Still occupied, still dangerous.
Isaiah stopped, his shoulders tensed, but he didn't turn around. I've seen cases like this before, Maya continued. Whistleblowers targeted, evidence buried, lives destroyed to protect profit margins, but mistakes leave trails. Mr. Boon.
Even years later, he turned back slowly, studying her face. "You're a lawyer. " "Legal aid. I work with people the systems tried to silence. " She held out her card. I'd like to hear your story. The real story, not the official version.