When Marcus looked in her direction, their eyes met.
The woman moved her lips.
He could not hear what she said.
But he understood that she was trying to communicate something.
Then she turned away and disappeared into the passing crowd.
Marcus watched her for a moment.
Something about the envelope troubled him.
"Commander?" Daniel asked.
Marcus turned back.
"Who is that woman?"
Daniel looked toward the bus shelter.
"Which woman, sir?"
"The one wearing the green coat. She was carrying a brown envelope."
Daniel searched the area.
"I didn't get a good look at her."
Marcus glanced toward Simone.
"Do you know her?"
Simone hesitated.
For a moment, she looked as though she was deciding whether to speak.
Then she lowered her voice.
"Sir, I think you should know something."
Marcus studied her.
"Go ahead."
"That woman has been coming here almost every morning."
"Why?"
"She says she has evidence of misconduct involving several officers."
Marcus's expression became serious.
"What kind of misconduct?"
Simone glanced toward Briggs.
The officer was now standing several feet away, pretending to speak with Daniel.
She moved slightly closer to Marcus.
"She claims that police reports have been altered. She says innocent people were arrested because evidence disappeared or statements were changed."
Marcus remained silent.
"Has anyone investigated her allegations?"
Simone looked uncomfortable.
"I don't know everything, sir. But I know she has been turned away more than once."
"Who ordered that?"
Simone hesitated again.
"Deputy Chief Graham Voss."
The name immediately caught Marcus's attention.
Graham Voss.
For twenty-seven years, Voss had been one of the most influential figures in Marcus's professional life.
He had encouraged Marcus to join the investigative division early in his career. He had recommended him for several promotions and had supported him during difficult assignments.
When Marcus's father died, Voss had attended the funeral and stood beside the family.
For many years, Marcus had considered him a mentor.
Now Voss was the deputy chief of Riverton Police Department, responsible for internal operations, personnel discipline, and several major administrative divisions.
Marcus looked at Simone.
"Are you certain?"
"Yes, sir. I heard him give the instruction himself."
"Did he explain why the woman was not allowed inside?"
"No. We were told that she was disruptive and that her complaints had already been reviewed."
Marcus's expression tightened.
"Who reviewed them?"
Simone lowered her voice further.
"I was told the matter had been resolved."
"By whom?"
"Deputy Chief Voss."
Marcus paused.
"Did you personally witness anything involving her?"
Simone nodded.
"Several weeks ago, she came to the entrance with the same envelope. She asked to speak with someone from internal affairs. Officer Briggs refused to let her inside."
Marcus looked toward the officer.
"Did he threaten her?"
"I heard him tell her that if she returned, she could be arrested for interfering with police operations."
Marcus looked back at Simone.
"Did you report that incident?"
Simone's expression changed.
"I tried."
"What happened?"
"I submitted a written concern to my supervisor. A few days later, I was told that the matter had already been handled."
"Did you receive a formal finding?"
"No, sir."
"Did anyone interview you?"
"No."
"Did anyone ask for the woman's statement?"
Simone shook her head.
"Not that I know of."
Marcus nodded slowly.
"Then it wasn't properly investigated."
The young officer looked at him.
"That's what I thought."
Marcus studied her expression.
He recognized the frustration in her eyes.
She had attempted to do the right thing, only to discover that the system she was supposed to trust had closed the matter without giving her an explanation.
"Officer Hart, document everything you remember. Include dates, names, and anyone who may have witnessed those incidents."
"Yes, Commander."
"And preserve any messages or records connected to your original report."
Simone nodded.
Marcus paused.
"Thank you for telling me."
For the first time since the confrontation began, some of the tension left her face.
"You're welcome, sir."
Marcus entered the headquarters.
The atmosphere inside had already changed.
Word of the confrontation had spread through the building.
Employees who had been walking through the lobby suddenly stopped when they saw him. Officers straightened their uniforms. A receptionist stood immediately and offered assistance.
Someone brought a clean towel.
Another employee offered him a glass of water.
Several people apologized for the incident, although most had not witnessed it.
Marcus accepted their courtesy but noticed something uncomfortable.
Only minutes earlier, he had been an ordinary-looking visitor in a plain black jacket.
Now that everyone knew his position, their behavior had changed completely.
He was being offered assistance, attention, and respect.
The man beneath the jacket was exactly the same.
Only his rank had become visible.
Marcus looked around the lobby.
"Thank you, everyone. Please continue with your work."
The employees returned to their duties.
Simone approached carrying a towel.
"Medical staff are on their way, sir."
"I'm fine. Thank you."
She hesitated.
Marcus noticed.
"Is there something else?"
Simone looked toward the elevators.
"There's something about Deputy Chief Voss that I think you should know."
Marcus became attentive.
"What is it?"
She lowered her voice.
"Officer Briggs isn't the only person who has been involved in complaints that disappeared."