“Can you explain why your signature appears on records connected to the movement of evidence boxes?”
McAllister's expression tightened.
“I will not discuss documents that may have been obtained improperly. We are here to address the conduct of the new chief, not participate in a public trial.”
Another reporter spoke.
“Is the association considering a vote of no confidence?”
McAllister leaned closer to the microphones.
“That option is being discussed. We are also reviewing whether our members should continue accepting additional duties while this situation remains unresolved.”
The statement was carefully worded.
It was not an official strike announcement, but it was a warning. McAllister wanted the public to believe the department might become unstable unless Daniel backed down.
When the press conference ended, he walked away without answering further questions.
Within minutes, clips of his speech were circulating across local news platforms.
The department's phones began ringing.
Some callers demanded Daniel's resignation. Others asked why their old complaints had never been investigated. Former employees contacted journalists, describing years of intimidation and unexplained transfers.
The controversy was growing beyond the control of the people who had tried to contain it.
***
At eleven thirty, Mayor Richard Lawson summoned Daniel to City Hall.
The mayor was waiting in a private conference room when Daniel arrived. James Vance was already there, seated beside the window. He looked tired, but his uniform was immaculate.
Mayor Lawson gestured toward an empty chair.
“Chief Brooks, please sit down.”
Daniel remained standing for a moment before taking his seat.
The mayor folded his hands.
“I assume you've seen McAllister's statement.”
“I have.”
“He has a considerable amount of support within the department. His remarks are already creating concern among the council members.”
“Then perhaps the council should ask why the records were hidden in the first place.”
Lawson's expression became more serious.
“We are not here to exchange accusations. We are here to prevent this situation from becoming a crisis.”
Daniel looked toward Vance.
“Then we should begin by discussing the evidence.”
Vance shifted in his chair.
“There is no verified evidence that establishes a department-wide conspiracy. We have administrative irregularities, old complaints, and financial records that require interpretation.”
“Some of those records carry your authorization,” Daniel replied.
“Those signatures were connected to routine administrative responsibilities.”
“Then you will have an opportunity to explain them to the investigators.”
Vance looked toward the mayor.
Lawson interrupted.
“Chief, I want you to understand the political reality. The department is already under enormous pressure. We cannot afford a public collapse. We need stability.”
“Stability cannot be built by hiding misconduct.”
“I'm not asking you to hide anything.”
“You are asking me to slow down the investigation.”
“I am asking you to consider the consequences of your decisions.”
Daniel placed a copy of the verified transfer register on the table.
“These records show that evidence was moved without proper authorization. Complaints were closed without interviews. Payments were made through accounts connected to a private contractor. Several senior officials appear in the same records.”
The mayor looked down at the document but did not touch it.
“And what exactly do you intend to do?”
“Continue the investigation. Protect the evidence. Cooperate with the state authorities. And make sure every person involved is treated according to the same rules.”
Lawson leaned back.
“McAllister is threatening a vote of no confidence. Officers are already talking about refusing additional assignments. If you suspend more senior personnel, the situation could become worse.”
“Then we will arrange lawful staffing coverage. Public safety will not be used as leverage to protect anyone from an investigation.”
Vance finally spoke.
“You're making this personal, Brooks.”
Daniel turned toward him.
“No. You made it personal when you allowed an officer to assault the incoming chief and then tried to bury the footage.”
Vance's jaw tightened.
“That incident has nothing to do with these financial records.”
“It has everything to do with the culture that allowed them to remain hidden.”
For several seconds, the room was silent.
The mayor closed the folder.
“I will not support a public confrontation between the city and the police department.”
“Then don't make it one,” Daniel replied. “Support an independent investigation.”
Lawson did not answer immediately.
Daniel stood.
“I have nothing more to add until the investigators finish their work.”
He left the room with the transfer register still on the table.
Behind him, Vance watched the door close.
***
That afternoon, Elena received a call from the state investigative team.
They had completed an initial review of the Shadow Vault records and confirmed that several financial transactions required formal investigation. The state team had also identified possible links between Northbridge Security Solutions and a network of private security contracts awarded without the normal competitive process.
More importantly, investigators had located former employees willing to provide statements.
One was a retired financial administrator who had handled invoices for the department several years earlier.
Another was a former evidence technician who had been transferred after questioning why certain property records had been altered.
A third was a former officer whose complaint had disappeared from the internal review system.
Elena listened carefully, writing down each name and contact detail.