The same Laura Mitchell who was leading the independent investigation had appeared in an old administrative record connected to one of the cases.
He opened the attached document.
It showed that Mitchell had been assigned to review a complaint six years earlier.
The complaint concerned the transfer of evidence from the Eastbridge warehouse.
The final decision stated that the transfer had been authorized and no misconduct had occurred.
Marcus looked at the date.
It was the same period when the original witness statement had disappeared.
He sat back.
There might be a reasonable explanation.
Mitchell could have been assigned to a preliminary review without knowing that the records had been altered.
But the discovery meant that her role needed to be examined.
Marcus called her.
"Director Mitchell."
"Commander?"
"I've received a document containing your name."
There was a brief pause.
"Which document?"
"A review of the Eastbridge evidence transfer complaint from six years ago."
Mitchell did not answer immediately.
Then she spoke.
"I remember that case."
Marcus looked at the document.
"Were you involved in closing the complaint?"
"I conducted an initial administrative assessment. I did not make the final decision."
"Who did?"
"The regional review committee."
"Was Deputy Commissioner Bennett involved?"
Another pause.
"Yes. He chaired the committee."
Marcus looked at the report.
"Did you examine the original evidence records?"
"I requested them. I was told that the archive copy was unavailable."
"Did you receive a replacement?"
"Yes. The department supplied a certified copy."
Marcus remained silent.
"Commander, why are you asking?"
"Because the original evidence transfer ledger suggests that the certified copy may have been incomplete."
Mitchell took a breath.
"Then I need to see it."
"You will."
She paused.
"Marcus, I want to be clear. I did not know the records had been altered."
"I haven't accused you of anything."
"Good. Because if the documents were changed, then the review I conducted may have been based on false information."
Marcus nodded, although she could not see him.
"That's why we need to examine the original records."
Mitchell became quiet.
Then she said something that made Marcus stop.
"There was one document I never received."
"What document?"
"A witness statement from a warehouse supervisor. I requested it twice, but the regional office said it was not relevant to the complaint."
Marcus looked toward the old Eastbridge file.
"Was the witness named Samuel Grant?"
Mitchell paused.
"Yes."
Marcus felt the connection become even stronger.
"Do you remember what happened to him?"
"No. I was told he had moved away."
Marcus looked at the document.
"Then we need to find him."
Mitchell agreed.
"I'll include that in the witness search."
After ending the call, Marcus remained seated.
The investigation was beginning to reveal that the people involved were connected through a complicated chain of administrative decisions.
Some had signed documents.
Others had approved reviews.
Others had transferred evidence.
And some may have simply accepted information provided by people they trusted.
The challenge would be separating deliberate misconduct from institutional failure.
But the evidence was now strong enough to justify a broader investigation.
Marcus opened his phone and checked the anonymous messages.
No new communication had arrived.
He looked at the first message again.
THE WOMAN IN THE GREEN COAT HAS THE ORIGINAL RECORDS.
He now understood why Iris had been so determined to reach him.
She had not simply wanted someone to listen.
She had been carrying evidence that could expose a network operating inside the department.
And the person who had tried to stop her was the same person who had welcomed Marcus to the building as though they were old friends.
Marcus put the phone down.
A knock sounded at the door.
Daniel Kim entered.
"Commander, we have an update."
Marcus looked up.
"What is it?"
"We located Officer Turner."
"Where?"
"He was found at a private parking facility near the regional administration building."
"Was he alone?"
"Yes. He had a bag containing several documents and a laptop."
Marcus stood.
"Did the investigators secure them?"
"Yes, sir. The items are being examined."
"Did Turner cooperate?"
Daniel shook his head.
"Not initially. He requested legal representation and refused to answer questions."
Marcus nodded.
"That's his right."
Daniel continued.
"But before the investigators arrived, he made a phone call."
"To whom?"
"We're still verifying the number. But it appears to be connected to the office of Deputy Commissioner Bennett."
Marcus looked at him.
"Did he say anything?"
Daniel opened his notebook.
"One witness heard him say, 'The commander has found the ledger. We need to move the remaining files tonight.'"
Marcus's expression hardened.
"Tonight?"
"Yes, sir."
Marcus walked toward the window.
The meeting at the regional administration building was scheduled for the following evening.
If Turner had already warned Bennett, the people involved might attempt to move the remaining evidence before the investigators could secure it.
"Have you informed Director Mitchell?"
"Yes. She's arranging an urgent briefing."
Marcus turned.
"Then we need to move quickly."
Daniel nodded.
"There's one more thing."
"What?"
"The vehicle log shows that Deputy Chief Voss left the headquarters approximately fifteen minutes ago."
"Where was he going?"
"According to the official schedule, he was returning home."
Marcus looked at the time.
"Did he arrive?"