QR Code Murders: The Citizenry

Wilmington exploded. The verdict passed down cleared the officers of all charges. All stripes of people and genders put boots and sneakers on the pavement in total protest of the outcome. Yawquisha’s numbers continued to skyrocket.

Her footage was the most viewed video across various platforms. The news outlets displayed it along with the chanting crowds. Vitriol and rage coursed through the streets like a virus courses through blood vessels.

Yawquisha went live.

“Good evening, everyone. The scale of justice has tipped in the favor of the police officers. That is a good thing. The man had a weapon and brandished it before turning around. I know. I was there.”

“You have seen my video play over a billion times. While that is my financial gain, I do realize the source of your frustration and anger. Let it not build up to actions of the start of force. Move peaceably.” The broadcast ended.

She felt safe in her apartment knowing that a few really knew her identity. That few consisted of Rakish, some of the other detectives, and Kim.

With the sound of sirens and tear gas and flash bang grenades exploding, she could sense the intensity of the moment. The

tear gas seeped through her windows and almost made her choke. She continued to view the masses surging through the streets.

Kim brought her boyfriend Tamil to Yawquisha’s apartment.

“Oh my God. You’re alright,” Kim said, embracing Yawquisha.

“Of course. No one knows me.”

“I know you. That message was sent with understanding. We know that you are going to profit off not the pain but the glory of justice.”

“It’s what I do.”

“There may be unrest out here in these Wilmington streets but you are making a huge impression on everyone.”

“I appreciate that.”

“You’re an inspiration,” Tamil said.

“Thank you,” Yawquisha replied.

“But. You know you will never be able to show your face ever again without the threat of retribution.”

“That’s clear. I don’t live in fear even if my visage shows. I will refuse to go about my existence cowering under the pressure of roving groups.”

Kim and Tamil nodded in agreement.

“It’s something that we ought to realize. We have to stay—”

A Molotov cocktail crashed through her window. The fiery container emitted gasoline throughout the space. The glass shattered and the bottle burst sending flames on Yawquisha’s hardwood. As the combustible sprayed some gas on the floor, the three of them jumped backward.

“Jesus!” Kim shouted. Yawquisha grabbed her fire extinguisher and put out the small blaze.

Kim helped to scoop up the ashes and stamped the embers.

“Was that random?” Tamil asked.

“I want to say it was. I want to say that it was just a stray bomb,” Kim said.

“If it was, then let them come for me. Someone leaked my address and knew where to come,” Yawquisha reasoned.

Kim and Tamil looked at each other.

“You know that we would never—”

“I know. I’m pretty sure it was someone at the news stations. They have b-roll that probably captured my image. Let it be. I’m not going to place to place wondering where the next bomb or bullet will s going to come for me.”

“You know I know all too well what this it’s like to find myself in hellish conditions. I’m calling this one right now.”

The police focused their attention on the riotous mobs stamping through the streets. They tried their best to address crimes against other citizens. The Delaware National Guard (DANG) assembled in the city. With their assistance cops could fight the violations on the citezenry.