Your family lives in this town too. Think about that.
Marcus stared at the screen.
For a moment, his chest tightened.
He looked toward the kitchen.
His daughter was sitting at the table coloring a picture of a princess castle.
He felt a cold anger rise inside him.
Then he contacted the appropriate authorities and notified his attorney.
The messages were troubling.
But he still didn't know who had sent them.
He refused to accuse anyone without evidence.
The following month, an independent civilian oversight committee agreed to review several complaints involving the private security company.
Marcus welcomed the decision.
The committee requested records.
The company provided some.
Others were delayed.
Several complaints lacked corresponding incident reports.
And one security supervisor appeared to have modified an internal entry after receiving notice of the inquiry.
The questions became more serious.
Then the company president contacted Marcus directly.
He proposed a private meeting.
Marcus initially declined.
But his attorney suggested that hearing the man's position might be useful if the meeting occurred under appropriate conditions.
They arranged a discussion in a professional office.
The company president arrived wearing a beautifully tailored suit.
He greeted Marcus warmly.
Then began discussing community cooperation.
He said the security program had been misunderstood.
He insisted his employees were committed to professionalism.
And he suggested the public complaints were damaging the town's reputation.
Marcus listened.
Then asked whether the company had reviewed the incident involving the thirteen-year-old boy.
The president's smile tightened.
“That matter has been handled.”
“How?”
“Internally.”
“Were the boy and his mother informed of the findings?”
The president sighed.
“Mr. Bennett, we have to be practical.”
Marcus looked at him.
“I agree.”
The businessman leaned forward.
“Your intentions may be good. But public accusations can damage careers.”
Marcus nodded.
“Which is why I want proper investigations.”
The president stared.
Then changed tactics.
He began discussing Marcus's personal circumstances.
He mentioned that Marcus was a widower.
That he was raising a daughter alone.
That he had a mortgage.
And that financial stability must be important to him.
Marcus's expression hardened.
“Where are you going with this?”
The businessman smiled.
“I'm trying to understand what matters to you.”