"Look at his hands."
Marcus leaned closer.
"What about them?"
"He's holding something."
The image was grainy, but a small metallic object was visible between Porter's fingers.
Victoria zoomed in.
A flash drive.
She stared at it.
"That's not part of the evidence inventory."
Grant looked surprised.
"Then what is it?"
Victoria answered quietly.
"The original access log."
Marcus understood.
"If Porter has that, he can identify everyone who entered the evidence room."
Victoria nodded.
"And everyone who authorized the transfers."
She looked at Grant.
"Which means Coleman doesn't just want the documents."
"He wants the access log."
"Exactly."
Marcus accelerated.
"Then we'd better get there first."
CHAPTER 10 — THE FINAL WARNING
The old training facility stood at the end of a narrow industrial road.
Its windows were dark.
A rusted sign hung above the entrance.
The parking lot was empty.
At least, it appeared empty.
Victoria stepped out of the vehicle.
She adjusted her black leather jacket and looked toward the building.
Marcus approached.
"Security team is two minutes away."
Victoria nodded.
"Keep them outside until we confirm Porter's location."
Grant stayed near the vehicle.
"Be careful."
Victoria looked at her.
"I will."
She approached the entrance.
The front door was unlocked.
Inside, the building was silent.
Dust covered the floor.
Old training posters hung on the walls.
Victoria moved through the corridor.
Then she heard a voice.
"You're late."
She stopped.
A man stepped out from a side room.
Chief Richard Coleman.
He was no longer wearing his uniform.
Instead, he wore a dark overcoat.
His expression was calm.
Almost friendly.
"Agent Hayes."
Victoria looked at him.
"Chief Coleman."
He smiled.
"I was beginning to think you weren't coming."
"Where is Porter?"
Coleman nodded toward the room behind him.
"He's alive."
Victoria's eyes narrowed.
"Let me see him."
"First, the files."
Victoria held up the briefcase.
"You wanted the original records."
"Correct."
"Then release Porter."
Coleman shook his head.
"That's not how negotiations work."
Victoria looked at him.
"You're a police chief. Not a hostage negotiator."
Coleman laughed.
"That's a very interesting distinction."
He stepped closer.
"You've spent months investigating this operation. You think you understand it."
"I understand enough."
"No, Victoria. You understand the street-level part."
He gestured toward the building.
"Collins. Walker. Porter. All of them are small pieces."
Victoria remained silent.
Coleman continued.
"The real decisions happen in offices. Behind closed doors. Between people who understand how the world actually works."
Victoria looked at him coldly.
"People who steal public money?"
Coleman's smile faded.
"People who make things happen."
"By exploiting the people they're supposed to protect?"
He shrugged.
"Every system has a price."
Victoria shook her head.
"Not everyone is willing to pay it."
Coleman sighed.
"That's your problem."
He extended his hand.
"The files."
Victoria slowly placed the briefcase on the floor.
Coleman looked at it.
"Open it."
She did.
Inside were several documents and a digital storage device.
Coleman stepped forward.
He examined the contents.
Then he smiled.
"Finally."
Victoria watched him.
"Where is Porter?"
Coleman looked toward the side room.
"Bring him out."
A moment later, Porter appeared.
His face was bruised, and his jacket was torn.
But he was standing.
Victoria looked at him.
"James."
Porter nodded weakly.
"Victoria."
Coleman gestured toward the briefcase.
"Take the device."
Porter looked at it.
Then at Victoria.
She gave him the smallest possible nod.
Porter understood.
He stepped forward.
But instead of taking the device, he looked directly at Coleman.
"Chief, before I hand this over, I want you to answer one question."
Coleman frowned.
"What?"
"How many officers did you pay?"
The chief laughed.
"That information is irrelevant."
Porter shook his head.
"No. I think it's very relevant."
Coleman's expression hardened.
"Take the device."
Porter didn't move.
Victoria watched carefully.
The plan was beginning to unfold.
Porter looked at Coleman.
"You told me this was a temporary arrangement. You told me the money was being used to fund legitimate operations."
Coleman sighed.
"James..."
"You told me nobody would get hurt."
"That's enough."
"But three people lost their jobs. Two witnesses disappeared. And one innocent officer was blamed for evidence he never touched."
Coleman's face darkened.
"You were paid to follow instructions."
Porter looked devastated.
"I believed you."
Coleman stepped closer.