A veteran agent raised his hand.
“Director, some of us denounce Molina. The complaints disappeared. We were told to stop causing trouble.
Don Manuel nodded.
We know that. We found seventeen internal complaints. Seventeen times someone tried to do the right thing and the system crushed it. That ends today.
Elena stepped forward.
There will be federal oversight for twenty-four months. New controllers. New training. Audits. Mandatory cameras. Review of files.
Don Manuel looked for Javier among the agents.
“Robles, come closer.
Javier walked with his heart, hitting his chest.
“Seven years ago,” said Don Manuel, “you were in an interrogation room, falsely accused by a corrupt superior. I told her integrity is not comfortable, but it is necessary.
Javier swallowed saliva.
I remember, sir.
“Today he proved it. He acknowledged something bad, gathered evidence and did not look the other way.
Don Manuel pulled a badge out of his jacket.
“From this moment, he is appointed acting captain of the Municipal Police of San Miguel del Río. The supervision will evaluate your command for six months.
The lobby exploded in applause.
Not everyone applauded.
Some looked at the ground.
But many yes.
And that was enough to begin with.
Javier took the plaque with trembling hands.
I will not disappoint him.
“Don’t do it for me,” Don Manuel replied. Do it for the people who come in here scared and deserve to be respected.
Then he looked at Marta.
“Agent Salas, is assigned to Internal Affairs. Your task will be to find the buried before you rot again.
Marta nodded.
For the first time in years, the police station breathed differently.
But justice doesn’t end when they take the guilty.
Justice begins when the innocent are repaired.
In a separate room, Tomás, María, Luis and Jaime received official documents.
Certificates of exemption.
Cancelled records.
Formal recognition that they had been abused.
Thomas read the paper with eyes full of tears.
“My daughter will know that her father was not a criminal.
Don Manuel put a hand on his shoulder.
You will know it with papers, with truth and time.
Maria pressed her certificate against her chest.
—¿Puedo enseñárselo a mis hijos?
“You must,” Elena replied. They also need to heal.
Luis looked at the compensation sheet.
Does this cover the operation?
“The operation, the rehabilitation, the loss of income and the damage done,” Elena said.
