QR Codes: Consequences

Kim got off the phone.

“Was that him?” Yawquisha asked.

“It was just business.”

“Okay.”

Kim switched to business. “We’re going to go into some territory where a suspect has been said to be living.”

Yawquisha organized her digital files and fastened on the microphone color.

“I want you to stay close to me. Don’t spend too much time interviewing this time. Just get as many images as you can. I will have my weapon drawn for most of the time. Be prepared to see and here some graphic—”

“If I can witness a rocket going into a van. I’m prepared for this. Thanks for the heads up, though,” Yawquisha related.

“Okay. We’re gonna be okay,” Kim reassured.

“I know.”

The car rolled up to the scene. Light rain struck puddles and rippled in mud. Squad cars also rolled up to the scene. Officers and detectives held their pistols at the ready.

Yawquisha looked resolute. Her mouth looked like an iron trap. She held onto the notion of doing

“He’s dead,” Kim said. “No sign of the tattoo.”

Yawquisha saw someone running through the alley.

“The alley!” She alerted Kim. The detective and the other officers darted towards the suspect. He dodged puddles and crevices. His athleticism motivated the law enforcement authorities to bolt down the dark passages. Rain began to fall even more through the darkness.

Yawquisha kept the camera steady as she jostled it, keeping up with the officials. The chase ran for at least twelve blocks. Then, a squad car blocked the suspect’s path. He slipped in the slick street and his firearm fell from his possession and discharged. The cops opened fire on him. At the time, he was technically unarmed. It didn’t matter, he was dead before his body hit the pavement.

“Get her the hell out of here!” shouted a uniformed officer. Yawquisha stayed with the shot. She recorded from beginning to end the entire scene. As an officer approached her, she saw Kim stand in between the uniform and Yawquisha.

“Get the hell back!” Kim yelled at the policewoman. The officer heeded to Kim’s instruction.

“Are you okay?” Kim asked.

“Yes. I’m alright,” Yawquisha fought the adrenaline rushing through her veins and held composure.

“Let’s go back to my car.”

The two women dodged raindrops and finally reached the vehicle.

“What you have could possibly end the careers of three good men and women. Maybe even send them away for a while. I’m not saying destroy it. It’s your property and you can do what you will with it. I just want to know that you know what will happen from here on out,” Kim explained.

“Okay,” Yawquisha answered.

“Now, you are in a position to make national, maybe international news about crime here in Wilmington. It has intensified and increased over the decades. Maybe it’s going to be the bellwether for a better city. New people will just chew on the fact the guy was shot in the back without a gun on him. They won’t emphasize how he had the weapon near him. So, it’s up to you. Don’t look to me for your decision.”

“I know.”

“I’m glad you do. This is going to be something that this city, this state has never seen before.”

“It’s okay. I’m fully aware of the conditions as well as the repercussions involved here. I’m going to post this to my page and allow my footage to be true and unedited. It will feature only the truth and not interfere with the investigation or anything related to it.”

“Good. That’s good. I just wanted to point out the consequences of what may happen.”