And county records hadn't accurately explained where everything went.
The commissioners requested additional audits and reviewed whether certain contracts should be suspended or revised.
The discussion was tense.
But for the first time, the equipment questions Isaiah raised months earlier were being examined openly.
Redd testified about the storm-response incident.
He described the missing generators.
The delayed replacements.
And the questions he asked that never received adequate answers.
Then a commissioner asked why he hadn't pursued the issue more aggressively.
Redd paused.
For a moment, he looked toward the table.
Then answered honestly.
"I relied on assurances from people I believed had the records under control."
The commissioner waited.
Redd continued.
"That was a mistake."
The room became quiet.
He looked up.
"I should've demanded the reconciliation before accepting the explanation."
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then the commissioner thanked him.
The admission didn't erase the failure.
But it demonstrated something important.
Accountability wasn't only for the person who made the most dramatic mistake.
It also required examining the people and procedures that allowed problems to continue.
Redd left the witness table looking exhausted.
He knew his career might never recover fully.
But he also knew that continuing to defend the indefensible would make the damage worse.
The independent towing review identified several disputed impounds.
Marcus Dunn's case was among them.
The records showed that his vehicle had been recovered despite unresolved questions about the basis for the seizure.
The towing and storage charges required corrective review.
Other residents received notices explaining how to challenge fees or request examination of their cases.
Not every tow was invalid.
Some involved legitimate collisions, abandoned vehicles, or properly documented legal holds.
But the audit found enough irregularities to justify reform.
The county revised contractor oversight.
Required clearer documentation.
And created more transparent procedures for reviewing disputed charges.
For Marcus, the changes mattered.
He'd spent two years believing nobody would listen.
Now his complaint was being examined alongside other evidence.
One afternoon, he called Isaiah.
They'd met briefly at the community forum and exchanged numbers.
Marcus sounded emotional.
"They're reviewing my truck."
Isaiah smiled.
"Good."
The older veteran hesitated.
"I wish I had spoken up sooner."
Isaiah considered the words.
Then answered.
"You spoke when you were ready."
Marcus was quiet.
Finally, he said.
"Thank you for not letting that sheriff scare you into silence."
Isaiah looked toward his mother's backyard.
For a moment, he felt the weight of the compliment.
Then answered.
"I was scared."
Marcus paused.
Isaiah continued.
"I just decided I wasn't going to let fear be the last word."