I spoke to the desk officer. He said they're taking her complaint very seriously given her position in the community. But that's crazy. Malik felt his chest tighten. You were there, Dad.
You saw what really happened. Yes. And I made sure that's in the official record. Reginald started pacing. Something Malik had never seen him do before.
But they're not interested in my statement. The officer actually suggested that maybe you should avoid certain areas of the neighborhood. Angela made a sound of pure outrage. In our own neighborhood, the one we pay taxes in, the one where we own our home. It gets worse, Reginald continued.
Linda's apparently been busy. She's gathered signatures from some neighbors supporting her claim that there have been suspicious youth activities in the area. She's pushing for increased security measures, including regular patrols. By those fake cops? Malik asked, his voice small.
No, she's learned from that mistake. She's trying to get real offduty officers to moonlight as security. Using HOA funds, of course. Angela sank onto the couch. So, she's actually gaining support.
People are believing her lies. Some are, Reginald admitted. Others are just afraid to stand against her. But that's not the point right now. Then what is?
Malik asked. Reginald stopped pacing and faced them both. His expression was cold and determined, reminding Malik of all the stories he'd heard about his father's FBI days. The point is, this isn't harassment anymore, he said, his voice hard. This is a war and Linda has no idea who she's fighting.
At the police station, fluorescent lights buzzed overhead as Regginald stood at the front desk, his posture military straight. The desk officer barely looked up from his computer, his fingers tap tapping on the keyboard with deliberate slowness. So, you're saying two men impersonated law enforcement officers? The officer's tone was flat, uninterested. That's correct, Reginald replied evenly.
They wore counterfeit badges and tactical gear marked as community enforcement. They attempted to detain my 16-year-old son. The officer finally looked up, his expression bordering on condescending. And this was on private property in your HOA controlled neighborhood? On a public street within the neighborhood?
Yes. But that's irrelevant to the crime of impersonating Sir, the officer cut him off. If the HOA hired private security, they didn't, Reginald interrupted, placing photographs on the counter. These men, Rick Thompson and Dale Matthews, have no security licenses. Their badges are fake.
Their vehicle markings are magnetic decals, and they attempted to physically detain a minor. The officer glanced at the photos without picking them up. Look, Mr. Carter, I understand you're upset, but Mrs. Whitfield has already explained that this was just a misunderstanding. They're neighborhood watch volunteers who maybe got a little overzealous. Neighborhood Watch volunteers don't wear tactical gear or pretend to have arrest powers.
Reginald's voice was steeledged now. And Linda Whitfield has no authority to Mrs. Whitfield is a respected member of this community. The officer's emphasis on Mrs. Was pointed. She's worked closely with our department for years. If she says there was no criminal intent, well, he shrugged.