James Vance: "Some were authorized through my office."
The admission changed the atmosphere inside the room.
Adrian studied him carefully.
Adrian Cole: "Why?"
Vance sat down.
James Vance: "There were concerns about the security of certain investigations. We believed some materials needed additional protection."
Adrian Cole: "Protection from whom?"
James Vance: "People outside the department."
Adrian Cole: "And why were those records removed from the official system?"
Vance rubbed his forehead.
James Vance: "You don't understand the situation here, Chief."
Adrian Cole: "Then explain it."
For several seconds, Vance remained silent.
Finally, he leaned forward.
James Vance: "Bellwood has been under pressure for years. Political pressure, financial pressure, public criticism. Every decision made by this department is questioned by someone. Sometimes you have to protect the institution before you can protect the people working inside it."
Adrian's expression remained unchanged.
Adrian Cole: "Protecting an institution does not mean hiding evidence."
Vance shook his head.
James Vance: "It's more complicated than that."
Adrian Cole: "Then we should have no difficulty establishing the facts."
He reached for the folder.
Vance placed his hand over it.
James Vance: "I wouldn't move too quickly."
Adrian looked at his hand.
Adrian Cole: "Remove your hand."
Vance slowly withdrew it.
Adrian took the folder and examined the final page.
There was a reference number written near the bottom.
SV-04.
He recognized the letters.
Shadow Vault.
Adrian looked up.
Adrian Cole: "This is connected to the archive Elena Alvarez mentioned."
Vance's expression changed immediately.
For a brief moment, the deputy chief appeared genuinely alarmed.
James Vance: "Where did you hear that name?"
Adrian closed the folder.
Adrian Cole: "Detective Alvarez has provided information relevant to an ongoing review."
Vance stood.
James Vance: "You should be careful about listening to her."
Adrian Cole: "Why?"
James Vance: "She has a history of making accusations without understanding the larger picture."
Adrian stared at him.
Adrian Cole: "She identified discrepancies in official evidence records. You transferred her out of investigations shortly afterward."
Vance raised his voice.
James Vance: "She was removed because she couldn't work with the rest of the team!"
Adrian did not react.
Adrian Cole: "That is a claim we can investigate."
Vance turned away.
He walked toward the window and remained there for several seconds.
Then he spoke again.
James Vance: "You think you're going to come into this department and fix everything in a week?"
Adrian Cole: "No."
Vance turned.
James Vance: "Then what do you think you're going to accomplish?"
Adrian placed the folder inside his briefcase.
Adrian Cole: "I'm going to find out who has been using this department for personal gain."
Vance's face became hard.
James Vance: "And if you find out that the problem is bigger than you expect?"
Adrian looked directly at him.
Adrian Cole: "Then the investigation will become bigger."
He turned toward the door.
James Vance: "Chief, I strongly advise you to reconsider."
Adrian stopped.
Adrian Cole: "Is that advice or a warning?"
Vance remained silent.
Adrian opened the door and walked out.
He had enough information to know that the records had not simply been misplaced.
Someone had created a separate system for storing sensitive documents.
Someone had authorized the movement of official evidence.
And someone in senior leadership knew more than they were willing to admit.
Adrian returned to his office and contacted the city manager's legal department.
He requested an independent preservation order covering all financial records, evidence logs, archived investigative files, and departmental communications connected to the suspicious transfers.
He also requested that an external investigative team be assigned.
He did not want the Bellwood command structure controlling the investigation into itself.
At 12:35 p.m., the city manager approved the request.
Within an hour, a small team of independent investigators arrived at the department.
They were led by Special Investigator Daniel Foster, a former federal auditor with extensive experience examining public corruption and financial misconduct.
Foster entered Adrian's office carrying a laptop and a collection of official authorization documents.
Daniel Foster: "Chief Cole?"
Adrian stood.
Adrian Cole: "Daniel Foster?"
Daniel Foster: "That's correct. I've been assigned to assist with the preliminary review."
Adrian gestured toward the chair.
Adrian Cole: "Thank you for coming."
Foster placed his laptop on the desk.