And a handwritten list containing several case numbers.
Some were marked with a red line.
Others had a small letter beside them.
Marcus examined the markings.
"What do these letters mean?"
Iris looked at the page.
"The ones marked with an R were reviewed. The ones marked with an X were removed from the official database."
"Who made this list?"
"I did."
"Based on what?"
"Records I recovered from the archive before my access was revoked."
Marcus looked at her.
"How did you know which files had been removed?"
Iris took a breath.
"Because I was responsible for maintaining the evidence transfer records."
She looked toward the old archive building.
"Three years ago, I noticed that several case files had been moved without the required authorization. At first, I thought it was a clerical error."
"What happened next?"
"I checked the transfer records. There were missing signatures, incorrect dates, and entries that did not match the physical evidence."
Marcus listened carefully.
"I reported it to my supervisor. He told me to correct the paperwork and stop asking questions."
"Who was your supervisor?"
"Deputy Chief Voss."
Marcus lowered his eyes.
Iris continued.
"I refused to change the records. A few days later, my access was suspended. I was told that I had violated data-handling procedures."
"Did you receive a formal disciplinary notice?"
"Yes. They claimed I had copied confidential information without authorization."
Marcus looked at the envelope.
"Had you?"
"I had made copies of records that I believed were being unlawfully removed. I knew I could lose my job, but I didn't know how else to protect the evidence."
Marcus nodded slowly.
"Where are the originals?"
Iris closed the envelope.
"Some are in a storage unit. Others are with someone I trust."
"Who?"
She looked at him.
"Daniel Price."
Marcus recognized the name immediately.
"The former evidence officer?"
Iris nodded.
"He helped me understand what had happened to the records."
"Have you spoken to him recently?"
"Yesterday."
"What did he tell you?"
"That someone had contacted him and threatened his family."
Marcus's expression became serious.
"Did he tell you where he was?"
"No. He said he would contact me when it was safe."
Marcus looked toward the dark vehicle.
It had disappeared from the parking area.
"Do you know who sent the threat?"
Iris shook her head.
"But I know who benefits from keeping the records hidden."
Marcus waited.
She looked directly at him.
"Deputy Chief Voss wasn't working alone."
Marcus felt the weight of the statement.
"Who else was involved?"
Iris hesitated.
Then she pointed toward the photograph of the young man.
"That is why I need you to see the original file."
She opened the storage unit.
Inside were several plastic containers, cardboard boxes, and a metal filing cabinet.
A small table stood near the back wall.
On it were dozens of folders arranged by case number.
Marcus stepped inside.
The room smelled of dust and old paper.
Iris moved toward the filing cabinet.
She unlocked the top drawer and removed a thick folder.
"These are the cases I was able to recover."
Marcus opened it.
The first document was an evidence inventory.
The second was a witness statement.
The third was a copy of a report that had been marked as amended.
He compared the dates.
The original statement had been recorded three days before the final report.
The final report contained a different account.
A name had been removed.
Another had been added.
Marcus looked at Iris.
"Who changed this?"
"According to the access record, the file was modified under an administrative account."
"Whose account?"
She placed another page on the table.
It contained a printed system log.
The account belonged to the deputy chief's office.
Marcus studied the entry.
The modification had been made at 11:47 p.m.
The person listed as the approving supervisor was Graham Voss.
Marcus looked at the next document.
It contained the name of an officer who had been involved in the original investigation.
The officer had later been promoted.
Another page showed a transfer request signed by the same supervisor.
The case had been closed six weeks later.
Marcus felt his jaw tighten.
"How many files have this pattern?"
"At least thirty-one."
"Thirty-one?"
"The remaining eighteen have different problems. Some involve missing evidence. Others involve statements that were never entered into the official system."
Marcus placed the documents down.
"Why would anyone go to such lengths?"
Iris looked at him.
"Because the cases were connected."
"Connected how?"
"Through money."
Marcus looked up.
Iris continued.
"Several investigations involved a private security company called Northbridge Solutions. The company received contracts to provide security services for government facilities, transport centers, and commercial properties."
Marcus recognized the name.
Northbridge had been mentioned in a procurement report he had reviewed during his appointment briefing.
He had not paid much attention to it at the time.
"How was the company connected to these cases?"
"Some officers were paid to provide information about investigations. Others were asked to make certain evidence disappear. In return, Northbridge received access to confidential information and protection from investigations."
Marcus stared at her.
"Are you saying police officers were helping a private company interfere with criminal cases?"