Vance looked down at the document.
James Vance: "I wasn't personally involved in those transfers."
Adrian Cole: "I didn't say you were."
For the first time, the deputy chief seemed to realize that Adrian was not making casual accusations.
He was asking questions based on records.
And every answer could become part of an official investigation.
Vance stood up.
James Vance: "Chief, I think it would be better if we discussed these matters after you've had time to meet the command staff. There are some longstanding arrangements here that require a little background."
Adrian remained seated.
Adrian Cole: "I'm listening."
Vance hesitated.
James Vance: "Bellwood is not an easy department to manage. We have experienced officers, strong personalities, and relationships that go back many years. If you move too quickly, you may create unnecessary resistance."
Adrian closed the folder.
Adrian Cole: "Deputy Chief, I didn't come here to preserve relationships that depend on misconduct being ignored."
Vance's expression hardened slightly.
James Vance: "Nobody is asking you to ignore misconduct."
Adrian Cole: "Then we should have no problem examining the records."
Vance did not answer.
He walked toward the window and looked down at the parking lot.
For several seconds, he remained silent.
Then he turned back.
James Vance: "There is one more thing you should understand. Some of the officers here have worked together for a long time. They protect each other."
Adrian watched him carefully.
Adrian Cole: "Protect each other from what?"
Vance looked uncomfortable.
James Vance: "From outside pressure. From politicians. From people who don't understand what policing requires."
Adrian slowly stood.
Adrian Cole: "There is a difference between protecting an officer who is doing the right thing and protecting someone who has broken the law."
Vance said nothing.
Adrian moved toward the desk.
Adrian Cole: "I intend to meet every department supervisor today. I also want the complete personnel records for every officer involved in the complaints I just reviewed."
James Vance: "That will take some time."
Adrian Cole: "Then begin immediately."
Vance nodded reluctantly.
Before leaving, he paused at the office door.
James Vance: "Chief, one final suggestion. Be careful about who you trust in this building."
Adrian looked at him.
Adrian Cole: "That's precisely why I'm asking questions."
The deputy chief left.
Adrian remained alone in the office.
He looked at the folders spread across his desk.
There was something unusual about the pattern.
The complaints were not isolated.
The evidence discrepancies were not limited to one investigation.
And the officers connected to the most serious allegations appeared repeatedly in the same reports.
He opened another folder.
It contained a list of employees who had requested transfers during the previous year.
Several names had been marked with handwritten notes.
One name appeared more frequently than the others.
Detective Elena Alvarez.
Adrian read the attached summary.
Elena had worked in the department for nine years. She had received strong performance evaluations during her first six years, but her career had changed dramatically after she questioned the handling of a major financial fraud investigation.
Following that investigation, she had been transferred from the detective division to a records position in the basement.
Her access to sensitive investigative files had been restricted.
Two promotions she had applied for were denied.
And several of her complaints regarding evidence irregularities had been closed without a detailed explanation.
Adrian looked at the last page.
The final note was particularly interesting.
REQUESTED TRANSFER TO ANOTHER DEPARTMENT. APPLICATION DENIED.
He read the line twice.
Then he placed the file beside the other documents.
Someone had clearly made an effort to push Elena out of the investigative division.
The question was why.
At 10:15 a.m., Adrian called Emily into his office.
She arrived carrying a folder and a tablet.
Emily Carter: "You wanted to see me, Chief?"
Adrian gestured toward the chair.
Adrian Cole: "Please sit down."
Emily sat.
Adrian opened the folder containing the personnel information.
Adrian Cole: "I want to ask you about Detective Elena Alvarez."
Emily looked surprised.
Emily Carter: "Elena?"
Adrian Cole: "Do you know her?"
Emily nodded.
Emily Carter: "Yes. She used to work upstairs in investigations. She was very good at her job."
Adrian Cole: "Used to?"
Emily hesitated.
Emily Carter: "She was transferred to the basement about six months ago."
Adrian Cole: "Why?"