What he did not understand was how much investigators already knew about his previous conduct.
When his attorney first reviewed the federal evidence, he found records spanning years.
Traffic stops.
Evidence logs.
Disciplinary complaints.
Financial transactions.
Messages with towing personnel.
Statements from other officers.
And the death investigation involving Daniel Carter.
Matthews stared at the document list.
"Why is Daniel Carter in this?"
His attorney looked at him.
"Because investigators believe his case is connected."
"That was handled."
"Apparently not."
Matthews leaned back.
For years, he had relied on paperwork to protect him.
Now that same paperwork was being reconstructed line by line.
And every discrepancy led investigators toward another question.
Simone's mother learned about the park incident from a news report before Simone could call her.
The television showed her daughter on her knees.
It showed a uniformed officer standing over her.
Then it showed the slap.
Her mother dropped the dish towel she was holding.
She watched the recording once.
Then again.
By the time Simone called, she was crying.
"Baby?"
"I'm okay, Mama."
"Don't tell me you're okay. I saw what happened."
Simone closed her eyes.
"I'm safe."
"That man hit you."
"I know."
"He hit you when you couldn't even defend yourself."
Simone pressed a hand against her forehead.
"I'm getting medical care."
Her mother inhaled shakily.
"I already buried one child."
The words cut through Simone.
"Mama."
"I can't do it again."
Simone looked toward Caroline standing across the room.
"I know."
Her mother fell silent.
Then she spoke more quietly.
"Did he know who you were?"
"No."
"Did he know about Daniel?"
"I don't think so."
"Then he did that to a stranger."
Simone's throat tightened.
"Yes."
Her mother let out a long, trembling breath.
"That's what scares me."
Simone understood.
The horror was not that Matthews had unknowingly arrested someone connected to a federal investigation.