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A SENIOR OFFICER HUMILIATED HIS COLLEAGUE IN PUBLIC—UNTIL HER SECRET CHANGED EVERYTHING

Chapter 7

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The next morning, Maya was called into another meeting.This time, the room was full.Deputy Chief Ward sat beside the department's legal adviser. Internal affairs investigator Paul Bennett occupied one side of the table, while Richard Cole sat at the other.Richard looked different from the previous day.His uniform was immaculate, but his confidence had faded.He kept his hands folded in front of him and avoided Maya's eyes.Deputy Chief Ward began."We are reviewing several concerns connected to the warehouse investigation. No final conclusions have been reached. Today, we need to clarify the chain of custody for certain records and determine who had access to the relevant files."Paul placed a document on the table."Officer Brooks, can you explain the discrepancy between the original shipment log and the revised version?"Maya described the records.Paul turned toward Richard."Sergeant Cole, your account was used to make several of the revisions. Can you explain why?"Richard cleared his throat."I supervise multiple cases. My credentials may have been used by another employee.""Did you report unauthorized access?""No.""Did you authorize the changes?""I don't remember."Paul placed another document on the table."This access log records activity under your account at 8:41 p.m. on the date in question."Richard glanced at it."I work late sometimes.""That isn't the question. Did you make these changes?"Richard shifted in his chair."I would need to review the entire file."Deputy Chief Ward spoke."You have been given the file."Richard's face tightened."I am not refusing to cooperate.""Then answer the question to the best of your knowledge."He looked at the papers again."I may have corrected an administrative error."Maya remained silent.Paul continued."Why was the shipment recorded as received when no vehicle appeared on the loading dock footage?""Perhaps the camera was malfunctioning.""Was that reported?"Richard did not answer."Was the camera malfunctioning?""I don't know."Paul placed a third document on the table."This maintenance log indicates the camera was functioning normally."The room became silent.Richard looked toward the legal adviser."I think I should have representation before answering additional questions."The adviser nodded."That is your right. We can pause the interview."Deputy Chief Ward closed her folder."We will continue the review through the appropriate process."Maya watched Richard gather his papers.He looked at her for the first time.His expression was no longer angry.It was fearful.As the meeting ended, Paul asked Maya to remain.Richard left with the legal adviser.Helen waited until the door closed."Officer Brooks, we have some additional information."Maya sat down again."The photograph you submitted appears to show the same loading dock and vehicle referenced in the shipment records. We are working to authenticate it.""Do you know who sent it?""Not yet."Paul opened another folder."We also found evidence that the storage room camera recorded activity that was not included in the original case file."Maya felt a chill move through her."What kind of activity?""We haven't completed the review. But the footage may help establish what happened to the missing shipment."Helen looked directly at her."Your report has helped us identify a serious gap in the investigation."Maya took a breath."Does this mean Sergeant Cole is responsible?""No," Helen replied firmly. "It means we have evidence that requires further examination. We will not decide responsibility before the investigation is complete."Maya nodded.That was the answer she wanted.She did not need Richard to be guilty.She needed the truth to be established.CHAPTER 8: THE FOOTAGEThe storage room camera was located in a narrow corridor behind the warehouse's administrative offices.Its purpose was simple: record the movement of documents and packages between the receiving area and a secure storage room.The original investigation had focused on the loading dock, where the stolen electronics were believed to have entered the building.
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A SENIOR OFFICER HUMILIATED HIS COLLEAGUE IN PUBLIC—UNTIL HER SECRET CHANGED EVERYTHING

15 Part