Lieutenant Collins: "Good. I need you to prepare a complete copy of the relevant files."
Thomas looked at him.
Thomas Reed: "Should I wait for the written authorization?"
Lieutenant Collins: "I'm giving you the instruction now."
Thomas Reed: "The notice says no records should be transferred without written authorization from the commander."
Collins' smile disappeared.
Lieutenant Collins: "Are you questioning my authority?"
Thomas Reed: "No, sir. I'm following the preservation instruction."
Collins stepped closer to the desk.
Lieutenant Collins: "Listen carefully. I am responsible for operations. If I ask you to prepare a file, you prepare it."
Thomas looked at the screen again.
Thomas Reed: "I can prepare an index of the records, Lieutenant. But I need written approval before moving the originals or changing their location."
Collins studied him.
For several seconds, neither man spoke.
Then Collins lowered his voice.
Lieutenant Collins: "You have been working here a long time, Thomas. You know how things are done."
Thomas Reed: "Yes, sir."
Lieutenant Collins: "Then don't make a simple request complicated."
Thomas felt his stomach tighten.
He wanted to explain that he had already seen records altered without authorization. He wanted to tell Collins that the original receipts did not match the database.
But he also knew that the lieutenant was standing directly in front of him.
Thomas Reed: "I'll prepare the index and wait for the required approval."
Collins stared at him.
Lieutenant Collins: "Fine. Do that."
He turned and walked away.
Thomas waited until the door closed.
Then he looked again at the preservation notice.
He understood that something important was happening.
For the first time, the department's senior leadership was officially asking questions about the very records he had been told not to examine.
He decided that he could no longer remain silent.
But before he could take any action, a new message appeared on his screen.
It was from an unknown internal account.
"Do not provide Agent Carter with any information."
Thomas stared at the message.
He had not told anyone that he had been asked to prepare the files.
He had not even mentioned the conversation with Collins.
Someone was watching the internal activity closely enough to know what he was doing.
He saved the message.
Then he printed a copy and placed it inside a folder in his desk.
He did not know who had sent it.
But he was beginning to understand that the people involved might be more powerful than he had imagined.
Back in Captain Mitchell's office, Emily was reviewing the department's organizational chart.
Mitchell returned and closed the door.
Captain Mitchell: "The preservation instruction has been issued. The records supervisor confirmed receipt."
Emily Carter: "Good. Has access to the relevant files been restricted?"
Captain Mitchell: "The technical team is working on it."
Emily Carter: "Who is supervising the technical team?"
Mitchell hesitated.
Captain Mitchell: "Lieutenant Collins normally oversees that unit."
Emily looked up.
Emily Carter: "Is there someone else who can perform the preservation work?"
Mitchell frowned.
Captain Mitchell: "Why do you ask?"
Emily Carter: "His name has appeared in more than one part of the material we are reviewing. I would prefer that someone independent handle the preservation process until we know whether his actions are relevant."
Mitchell looked uncomfortable.
Captain Mitchell: "Collins is one of my most experienced officers."
Emily Carter: "I understand. I am not asking you to accuse him. I am asking you to avoid placing potentially relevant records under the control of someone whose involvement has not yet been ruled out."
Mitchell walked toward his desk.
He picked up the department's internal directory and began searching for another supervisor.
After a few seconds, he found a name.
Captain Mitchell: "There is an IT security manager who reports directly to the city administration. She can handle the technical preservation process."
Emily Carter: "That would be preferable."
Mitchell made the call.
He explained that the department needed an independent technical review and asked the security manager to secure the relevant system logs.
After ending the call, he looked at Emily.
Captain Mitchell: "I have one concern. If Collins learns that I am limiting his access, he may ask why."
Emily Carter: "Then tell him the department is conducting a routine preservation process under the commander's authority. There is no need to disclose the details of the investigation."
Mitchell nodded.
He was beginning to appreciate the importance of controlling information.
A few minutes later, Peter Evans knocked and entered.
Peter Evans: "Captain, I've completed the initial incident report."
Mitchell accepted the document.
Captain Mitchell: "Thank you. Did you include the time and location?"
Peter Evans: "Yes, sir. I also included the names of the employees who witnessed the interaction."
Mitchell read the first page.
Peter Evans: "There is one thing I should mention."
Captain Mitchell: "Go ahead."
Peter Evans: "After I returned to my desk, Officer Brooks asked me what I planned to write."
Mitchell looked up.
Captain Mitchell: "What did you tell him?"
Peter Evans: "I told him I would describe what I saw."
Captain Mitchell: "And?"