My hands grip the table. I feel my face go hot as I hold back the pain of betrayal that flashes through my body. A white witness—silent all these years—who could have freed my daddy. Someone I knew and saw all the time.

“Let’s hear the full story,” Officer Clyde says. “She’s making a statement here.”

But I can’t stop. “You knew they were innocent. Why don’t you say it? Tell us the truth! For the first time, say it!”

“I did what I was supposed to do. I saw Richard leave the office after seven-thirty, waited an hour to hear from Cathy, but she wouldn’t answer my calls, so I dialed 911. I did. Got someone to check on them at their office.”

“Why didn’t you say something?” Mama finally breaks her silence. She’s holding Corinne now, who’s lying over her, crying.

“Everyone was so convinced the case was closed. I called the police to check on her. I was interviewed and shared my doubts. Wasn’t that enough? If I accused Richard directly, he’d hurt me, threaten to disclose things about my father.”

“But your father’s been dead five years now,” Mr. Evans says.

“I…Things were settled. James had a trial. They found him guilty.” Mrs. Evans rocks in place, sobbing. “My God. What did I do?”

She’s facing reality—the truth she’s always known.

I can’t take it any longer. I stand up. Seven years we suffered because she was afraid to get involved. Passive enough to watch this happen because it wasn’t her responsibility. All this time, Mrs. Evans held the answers to my daddy’s freedom.

And she said nothing.

“I made myself believe that Richard had nothing to do with it. It was easier to think James and Jackson did it. The police already arrested them.” Her eyes are bloodshot. Like she’s cried it all out of her and has nothing left to tell but the truth.

I look away. She’s upset. Scared. Wants to justify her choice, but I can’t accept it.

My father didn’t do anything wrong, and Jackson Ridges paid with his life.

Mama lifts her head, looking at Mrs. Evans with betrayal flitting in her eyes. But triumphant, too. The truth is finally confirmed: Daddy and Jackson were innocent.

X FACTOR

Stephen Jones Sr. enters the police station the following morning. My hand covers my mouth—because it’s not my regular old Steve—it’s the living legend. Tall, with a gray beard, but same bald head, dark skin, and wide smile. A Black woman trails behind, dressed in all black and wearing cop-looking sunglasses. She smiles, but it’s a hard one.

“Mr. Jones,” I croak out from the hallway behind the desk.

“Yes,” his voice booms. He’s got an aura of importance. I can see why he stands out in court.