Chapter 130: Invites a Colleague
Rain and Matt went out as she started working on the case she was on. They headed to the hospital to meet with the victim of a brutal gang attack. The elderly man had been stabbed after trying to defend his store from being robbed.
"Do you think he’ll be able to talk? I heard he’s in pretty bad shape," Matt asked her.
"We’ll find out soon enough," Rain replied with a sigh.
They entered the hospital room where the elderly man lay, connected to various medical devices. His face was pale, and he looked exhausted but aware.
"Mr. Martinez," Rain politely addressed, "we’re here to take your statement about the attack. We need to get your side of the story so we can bring the perpetrators to justice."
Mr. Martinez’s eyes suddenly flickered with fear. He swallowed hard and looked away. "I—I don’t know if I can do this," he said weakly. "I’m scared for my family. One of those men... their family is very powerful. They’ve already threatened me."
Rain’s brow furrowed, she could feel his fear but she must try convincing him. "We can protect you and your family. It’s crucial that you speak up. This gang needs to be stopped."
Mr. Martinez’s voice trembled. "I’ve thought about it, and I don’t think I can go through with it. I’ve been told that if I testify, they’ll come after me and my family. I just want this to be over."
Matt stepped forward, trying to reassure him. "We can offer protection and support. But if you choose not to testify, it will be harder to take down this gang and ensure they don’t hurt anyone else."
Mr. Martinez shook his head, tears in his eyes. "I’m sorry. I just can’t risk it. I don’t want any more trouble for my family."
Rain’s expression hardened with frustration, but she nodded. She knew she couldn’t force the victim to proceed with the trial if he didn’t want to. She also understood his situation—some people valued family above all else, even if it meant turning a blind eye to protect them.