Miller nodded.
Adrian had learned a long time ago that investigations became unreliable when witnesses felt pressured to support a particular version of events.
He wanted the truth, even if the truth was uncomfortable.
Derek, meanwhile, was beginning to understand that the morning would not end with a simple apology.
He glanced toward the hallway, apparently hoping that someone more senior would arrive and help him.
Unfortunately for him, the next person through the reception doors was not someone who intended to protect him.
At 9:03 a.m., Deputy Chief James Vance entered the building.
Vance was sixty-one years old and had served at Bellwood for more than three decades. He had spent most of his career building relationships with officers, city officials, and members of the local police union.
He was widely regarded as the most influential person in the department after the police chief.
For years, he had effectively controlled the daily operations of Bellwood.
When he entered the reception area, he immediately noticed the unusual atmosphere.
Officers were standing in small groups.
Emily looked anxious.
Derek was standing several feet away from Adrian, whose uniform was slightly disturbed.
Vance slowed his steps.
James Vance: "What's going on here?"
Nobody answered immediately.
Then Derek turned toward him.
Derek Mitchell: "Deputy Chief, we have a situation."
Vance looked at Derek.
Then his eyes moved toward Adrian.
For a brief moment, his expression changed.
He recognized the new chief from the official photograph distributed to department leadership.
James Vance: "Chief Cole."
Adrian nodded.
Adrian Cole: "Deputy Chief Vance."
Vance approached and extended his hand.
James Vance: "Welcome to Bellwood. I apologize that your first morning has been... less organized than expected."
Adrian looked at his extended hand before shaking it.
Adrian Cole: "It has certainly been memorable."
Vance noticed the tension.
His eyes moved toward Derek again.
James Vance: "Derek, what happened?"
Derek answered quickly.
Derek Mitchell: "There was a misunderstanding, sir. I didn't recognize the chief when he came in."
Vance frowned.
James Vance: "You didn't recognize him?"
Derek Mitchell: "No, sir. I thought he was an unauthorized visitor."
Adrian interrupted.
Adrian Cole: "That explanation is incomplete."
Vance turned toward him.
Adrian Cole: "Your sergeant physically assaulted me in front of several employees. He did so without checking my identification, without asking for assistance, and without establishing that I had violated any departmental policy."
Vance's expression became more serious.
James Vance: "Chief, I'm sure we can resolve this internally."
Adrian looked directly at him.
Adrian Cole: "What exactly do you mean by internally?"
Vance paused.
James Vance: "I mean we should avoid making a difficult situation worse. Derek has been with this department for a long time. He's normally a good officer."
Adrian Cole: "His years of service do not change the facts."
Vance lowered his voice.
James Vance: "Perhaps we should discuss this privately."
Adrian considered the suggestion for a moment.
Then he shook his head.
Adrian Cole: "No. The incident happened in a public area. The investigation will be handled through the appropriate procedures, and the evidence will be preserved."
Vance looked increasingly uncomfortable.
He had expected the new chief to be angry.
He had expected complaints and perhaps a demand for an immediate apology.
What he had not expected was someone who understood precisely how to protect an investigation from interference.
James Vance: "Of course. We'll make sure everything is handled properly."
Adrian Cole: "I hope so."
He turned toward Emily.
Adrian Cole: "Have the surveillance recordings been secured?"
Emily looked at her computer.
Emily Carter: "I'm contacting the technical department now, Chief."
Adrian Cole: "Good. Please make sure the original files are preserved before anyone reviews them."
Vance glanced toward the computer.
Then he looked back at Adrian.
James Vance: "There is no need to involve too many people at this stage. We can have our internal personnel review the footage."
Adrian Cole: "The evidence will be preserved first. The review process will be determined afterward."
The deputy chief nodded slowly.
But something about his reaction caught Adrian's attention.
Vance was not simply concerned about the assault.
He seemed particularly interested in controlling who would have access to the evidence.
Adrian made a mental note.