My Grandson Called Me In The Middle Of The Night: ‘Grandma, I’m At The Station… My Stepfather Told Me To Leave, And Now He’s Saying I Caused Trouble, And They Took His Word!’ When I Arrived At The Station, The Officer Paused And Said, ‘I’m Sorry… I DIDN’T KNOW.’

She leaned forward, lowering her voice slightly. “Judge Sullivan, I inherited a department with some entrenched cultural issues. What happened tonight is a symptom of a larger problem I’ve been working to address.”

Under different circumstances, I might have sympathized with her position.

Reforming institutional culture was difficult work. I’d faced similar challenges during my early years on the bench, but tonight with Tyler sitting alone in a holding room, my focus remained singular. “I appreciate your cander, Captain, but my immediate concern is my grandson.

I want him released into my custody immediately, and I want Officer Miller’s so-called evidence, Tyler’s phone, secured properly. I have reason to believe it contains recordings that will directly contradict Miller’s statement.”

Reynolds raised an eyebrow. “Recordings.”

“Tyler has been documenting Miller’s behavior over the past weeks, as any reasonable person might when they feel threatened in their own home.

Miller discovered these recordings tonight, which precipitated his aggressive response.”

The captain tapped her pen thoughtfully against the desk. “That would explain why Miller was so insistent on maintaining possession of the phone as evidence. He claimed it contained threats from Tyler.”

“I think we both know what that phone actually contains, Captain,”

I replied, holding her gaze steadily.

After a moment’s consideration, Reynolds reached for her desk phone. “Peterson,” she said when the officer answered, “I need you to retrieve the cell phone collected as evidence in the Sullivan case. Bring it directly to my office and prepare release paperwork for the juvenile.”

She hung up, then turned back to me.

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