Collateral Damage (2) : A Freewrite

She knocked on the door of a modest home, her heart heavy. The door swung open to reveal a woman whose eyes held a mixture of sorrow and strength. Monica recognized her as the mother of a young man who had become entangled in Darkie's criminal operations.

"Detective Monica," the woman said, her voice tinged with weariness. "I've heard about you. You're the one trying to bring Darkie down."

Monica nodded, her voice gentle. "I'm here to help. I want to make things right."

The woman's eyes glistened with unshed tears. "My son—he was a good boy. But he got caught up in things he couldn't escape. Darkie promised him a way out, and now he's... he's gone."

Monica listened, her heart aching with empathy. She had seen the aftermath of Darkie's influence, but hearing the personal stories underscored the gravity of her mission. The lives affected by Darkie's choices were not mere statistics—they were people with dreams, aspirations, and the weight of circumstances beyond their control.