The old evidence warehouse stood behind the main precinct, separated from the administrative building by a narrow service road.
It had once been used to store seized vehicles, confiscated property, and large collections of physical evidence.
Most of its operations had since moved to a newer facility.
But several restricted storage areas remained in use.
When Olivia and Reed arrived, Kevin Doyle's vehicle was parked near the loading entrance.
The trunk was open.
A cardboard box sat on the ground.
Kevin was standing beside it, holding a clipboard.
He looked up when he saw them.
His expression changed immediately.
"Detective Brooks."
"Kevin."
Reed stepped forward.
"Put the clipboard down."
Kevin glanced toward the open warehouse door.
"What's going on?"
"We need to know what you're doing with those documents."
"Captain Mercer authorized the transfer."
"Do you have the written order?"
Kevin hesitated.
"Yes."
"Show us."
He reached into his jacket.
Instead of producing a document, he pulled out his phone.
Reed noticed.
"Don't."
Kevin looked toward Olivia.
"Detective, you don't understand."
"Then explain."
He lowered his phone.
"I was told to move the files because the old storage system is being reorganized."
"By whom?"
"Captain Mercer."
"What files?"
Kevin pointed toward the box.
"Administrative records."
Olivia looked inside.
The box contained several folders.
One was labeled Daniel Price.
Another contained evidence transfer documents.
A third had the name Northstar Protective Services.
Olivia looked at Kevin.
"Why are these records being moved while Internal Affairs is investigating them?"
Kevin swallowed.
"I don't know."
"Who instructed you to do it?"
He looked away.
"Sergeant Harlan."
Reed stepped closer.
"Kevin, listen carefully. If you cooperate, your statement will be documented. But if you destroy, conceal, or transfer evidence without authorization, that creates a separate problem."
Kevin's eyes became wet.
"I didn't destroy anything."
"Then tell us what happened."
He looked around the parking lot.
Then he spoke quietly.
"Three years ago, Harlan asked me to update an evidence inventory."
Olivia waited.
"I was a junior officer. I had only been in the department for six months. He said the original report contained a clerical mistake."
"What did you change?"
"The location of the firearm."
"Why?"
"He said it had been recovered from the passenger-side floor. But the report originally said it was found under the driver's seat."
Olivia stared at him.
"Did you see the firearm?"
"No."
"Did you witness the search?"
"No."
"Then why did you change the record?"
Kevin looked down.
"Because he told me to."
Reed's expression hardened.
"Did you know it was false?"
"I suspected something was wrong."
"Why didn't you report it?"
Kevin's voice broke.
"Because he told me my career would be over if I questioned him."
Olivia remained quiet.
Kevin continued.
"After the arrest, Harlan told me the case was important. He said Price was dangerous and that the department needed a conviction."
"Did you know the recording existed?"
"No."
"Did you know the original footage had been deleted?"
Kevin nodded slowly.
"Later, yes."
"Who told you?"
"Captain Mercer."
Olivia exchanged a glance with Reed.
"What did he say?"
Kevin looked toward the warehouse.
"He said the footage contained information that could compromise a confidential operation. He told me to help Harlan correct the records."
"Did you?"
Kevin nodded.
"Yes."
"Did you receive money?"
"No."
"Did anyone threaten you?"
"Harlan threatened my career. Mercer told me I could be prosecuted if I refused to cooperate."
Reed took a breath.
"Kevin, we need your full statement."
The young officer wiped his eyes.
"I'll tell you everything."
Before he could continue, a vehicle entered the parking lot.
A black SUV.
It stopped several feet behind Olivia.
The driver's door opened.
Sergeant Richard Harlan stepped out.
He looked at the box.
Then at Kevin.
Then at Olivia.
His face turned red.
"What the hell is going on?"
Reed immediately moved between him and the evidence.
"Sergeant Harlan, you're not authorized to interfere."
Harlan ignored him.
"Kevin! What are you doing?"
Kevin stepped backward.
"I was justโ"
"Shut up."
Olivia looked at Harlan.
"Your presence is not required here."
He laughed.
"You think you can order me around?"
"No. I'm telling you to stay away from evidence currently under review."
Harlan took a step toward the box.
Reed raised his hand.
"Stop."
Harlan looked at him.
"Get out of my way."
"You're interfering with an active investigation."
Harlan pointed toward Kevin.
"That kid stole departmental property."
Kevin shook his head.
"You told me to move it."
Harlan's face changed.
"Careful what you say."
Kevin looked directly at him.
"I'm not lying anymore."
For a moment, Harlan appeared ready to strike him.
Then he noticed two additional investigators approaching from the warehouse entrance.
He stepped back.
Olivia watched his expression.
The anger was still there.
But beneath it was something else.
Panic.
Harlan had come to retrieve evidence.
And he had arrived too late.