Marcus waited.
Simone continued.
"There are officers who have tried reporting misconduct. Some were transferred. Others were told they were causing problems for the department."
"How many?"
"I don't know the exact number."
"Then we need to find out."
Simone nodded.
Marcus handed her the towel.
"Do not discuss this with anyone who isn't authorized to receive the information. I don't want you confronting Deputy Chief Voss or attempting to investigate it yourself."
"Understood."
"Your safety matters. So does the integrity of the evidence."
"Yes, sir."
Marcus turned toward the administrative corridor.
He had expected to spend his first morning meeting department heads and reviewing operational reports.
Instead, he had discovered that the incident outside the building might be connected to something far more serious.
He entered the commander's office shortly afterward.
The room was spacious, with a large desk facing the windows, several shelves of departmental records, and framed photographs of former commanders.
A folder containing his appointment documents was waiting on the desk.
Marcus placed his identification case beside it.
He had barely sat down when the director entered.
"Commander Reed. Welcome to Riverton."
"Thank you, Director."
The director looked at Marcus's jacket.
"I heard about the incident outside. Are you all right?"
"I'm fine."
"That's unacceptable. I will make sure Officer Briggs is dealt with."
Marcus looked at him carefully.
"That will depend on the investigation."
The director nodded.
"Of course."
Marcus opened the appointment folder.
"I need several things arranged today."
"Certainly, Commander."
"First, preserve all security footage from the entrance this morning. Every camera angle, every available recording, and the system audit logs."
"I'll contact security immediately."
"Second, I want a full review of complaints involving Officer Briggs."
The director paused.
"Officer Briggs?"
"Yes. I was informed that there may have been previous complaints."
The director looked uncomfortable.
"I can ask internal affairs to check."
"Don't simply ask them to check. I want the complete records, including complaints that were closed informally."
"Understood."
Marcus continued.
"Third, I want a list of all reports involving allegations that evidence was altered, statements were changed, or individuals were arrested on the basis of inaccurate information."
The director looked surprised.
"That's a much broader review."
"Yes."
"May I ask what prompted it?"
Marcus leaned back.
"An individual who has repeatedly attempted to bring evidence to this department has apparently been prevented from entering the building."
The director frowned.
"Who?"
"An older woman wearing a green coat. She carries a brown envelope."
The director's expression changed slightly.
Marcus noticed.
"You know who I'm talking about."
The director hesitated.
"I believe you're referring to Iris Whitcomb."
"Who is she?"
"She's been involved in several complaints over the past year. I don't have all the details."
"What kind of complaints?"
"She claims that a number of criminal cases were mishandled. She has repeatedly requested access to internal affairs."
"Has anyone reviewed her evidence?"
The director looked down at his notes.
"I would need to check."
Marcus closed the folder.
"Then check."
The director nodded.
"Yes, Commander."
Marcus looked at him.
"One more thing. I want to meet Deputy Chief Voss."
The director became noticeably still.
"Today?"
"Yes."
"He's currently attending an external meeting."
"Then arrange a meeting when he returns."
"Of course."
The director collected his notes and left.
Marcus remained seated for several seconds.
He opened a blank document and began recording the details of the incident.
He included the exact sequence of events, the names of the witnesses, the time of the confrontation, and the instructions he had given Daniel and Simone.
He wanted the initial record to be precise.
Then he picked up the phone.
"Please connect me to the surveillance office."
A few moments later, someone answered.
"Security operations. Aaron Bell speaking."
"This is Commander Reed."
"Good morning, sir."
"I need the exterior recordings from seven thirty this morning onward. Include the main entrance, the staircase, the side passage, and the parking area."
"Yes, Commander."
"Preserve the original files and all audit logs. Do not make any changes to the source recordings."
"Understood."
Marcus continued.
"Has a preservation hold been initiated?"
"Not yet, sir. Normally, the system requires authorization from Deputy Chief Voss."
Marcus paused.
"Does the system permit the commanding officer to issue a preservation hold?"
"Yes, sir."
"Then use that authority. Record the time, the file references, and the person responsible for securing the recordings."
Aaron hesitated.
"Certainly, Commander."
Marcus ended the call.
He looked toward the window.
The building seemed quiet from above.
But he was beginning to suspect that the silence was hiding something.
Twenty minutes later, he entered the surveillance office.
The room was small and windowless, filled with monitors showing different parts of the headquarters. Corridors, staircases, parking areas, security gates, and entrance doors appeared on the screens.
Aaron Bell, the security technician, stood when Marcus entered.
"Commander Reed."
"Good morning, Aaron. Please sit."
Marcus pulled a chair beside the workstation.
"Have you secured the recordings?"
"Yes, sir. The preservation hold is active. The original files and audit logs are being retained."
"Show me the exterior footage."
Aaron selected the first camera.
The screen displayed the front entrance.