“The available information suggests consulting payments and communications about enforcement attention near selected properties. The investigation is still determining exactly what those arrangements meant.”
Marcus studied the documents.
Then looked toward his mother's address.
For a moment, his jaw tightened.
“They were using her home as a target.”
Andrea took a breath.
“That is one possible interpretation supported by the records. We need the full context before asserting a completed conspiracy.”
Marcus nodded.
He appreciated her precision.
Then he looked toward the yellow circle around the house.
His father's house.
His mother's garden.
And the porch where he'd been shoved by an officer he was supposed to lead.
For several seconds, he couldn't speak.
Finally, he whispered.
“They weren't just trying to buy the property.”
Andrea studied him.
He continued.
“They were trying to make living there miserable.”
She nodded slowly.
“That appears to be what the investigation is examining.”
Marcus looked toward her.
“Can we protect my mother?”
Andrea considered.
“We can advise her about her property rights, help document improper contacts, and seek appropriate relief if harassment continues.”
He nodded.
Then she added.
“But she doesn't lose her right to make her own decisions because you're frightened for her.”
Marcus looked surprised.
Andrea continued.
“Your mother is the homeowner. She should decide whether she wants to sell, remain, or pursue any civil remedy.”
He looked down.
For a moment, he felt embarrassed.
His mother had spent decades defending herself against people who assumed they knew what was best for her.
Now he was in danger of doing the same thing for more sympathetic reasons.
He took a breath.
“You're right.”
Andrea smiled faintly.
“I know.”
Marcus laughed softly.
Then became serious.
“I want to give her the information and let her choose.”
The attorney nodded.
“Good.”
For several seconds, they remained quiet.
Then Marcus looked toward the documents again.
“There's another thing.”
Andrea waited.
He swallowed.
“If Mallory was being paid to create pressure, how many people did he confront before me?”
The attorney's expression became serious.
“That question belongs in the independent investigation.”
Marcus nodded.
He had spent years trying to build accountability systems in other departments.
Now he was seeing what happened when those systems failed.