COUNT WHAT EXISTS.
NOT WHAT THEY CLAIM.
The sender had provided no name, telephone number, or return address.
But the documents were authentic.
Claire had verified the identification numbers against federal seizure records and discovered that several of the missing packages were connected to investigations that had unexpectedly been closed.
Someone had been manipulating the evidence records.
And whoever was responsible appeared to have access to the department's most restricted systems.
That was why Claire had decided to conduct an unannounced inspection.
She wanted to see the original records before anyone had an opportunity to prepare an explanation.
At the reception counter, a young administrative employee named Nina Patel looked up from her computer.
NINA PATEL: Good morning. How can I help you?
CLAIRE BENNETT: Special Agent Claire Bennett. I'm here to conduct an authorized compliance inspection under the federal narcotics task-force agreement.
Nina's fingers stopped above the keyboard.
NINA PATEL: A federal inspection?
CLAIRE BENNETT: That's correct. The authorization should already be registered with your department.
Claire opened her identification wallet and displayed her credentials.
Nina examined the photograph and official seal before checking the department's internal authorization system.
After a moment, she located the relevant document.
NINA PATEL: I found it. You're listed as an authorized federal inspector.
CLAIRE BENNETT: Excellent. I'll need access to the narcotics evidence ledger and the original transfer documentation.
NINA PATEL: I can contact the evidence supervisor.
CLAIRE BENNETT: Please do.
Nina reached for the telephone.
Before making the call, however, she glanced toward the hallway behind the booking counter.
Her expression changed.
NINA PATEL: Agent Bennett, can I ask you something?
CLAIRE BENNETT: Of course.
NINA PATEL: Are you going directly to the evidence room?
CLAIRE BENNETT: That's part of my assignment.
Nina lowered her voice.
NINA PATEL: You should be careful who you speak to about those records.
Claire studied her.
CLAIRE BENNETT: Why?
Nina looked toward the operations room.
NINA PATEL: Some people here don't like outside investigators asking questions.
Claire waited for her to continue.
But Nina suddenly turned back toward the computer.
NINA PATEL: I'll contact the supervisor now.
Claire understood the hesitation.
She had encountered similar situations before.
Employees who witnessed misconduct were often reluctant to speak because they feared retaliation from people who controlled their schedules, promotions, and careers.
She did not pressure Nina.
Instead, she collected the authorization documents and walked toward the operations room.
A few officers glanced at her as she passed.
One detective looked at the federal seal on her identification wallet and immediately returned to his computer.
Another continued speaking on the telephone.
Near the narcotics desk, an officer named Gabriel Ortiz stood beside a filing cabinet.
He noticed Claire approaching with her audit case.
GABRIEL ORTIZ: Good morning, ma'am. Are you looking for someone?
CLAIRE BENNETT: I'm here to meet with the evidence administration supervisor.
GABRIEL ORTIZ: Is this regarding the federal task force?
CLAIRE BENNETT: Yes. I'm conducting an inventory compliance inspection.
Gabriel glanced at the documents.
His expression became more serious.
GABRIEL ORTIZ: I can contact the supervisor for you.
CLAIRE BENNETT: Thank you.
He reached for his telephone.
That was when another officer emerged from the corridor.
His name was Daniel Cole.
At thirty-nine, Daniel had spent eleven years working for the North River Police Division.
He was physically imposing, with broad shoulders, short dark hair, and a confident manner that often made people uncomfortable.
His uniform was neatly pressed.
A body camera was attached to his chest, and his nameplate was clearly visible above his right pocket.
Daniel had developed a reputation for being aggressive with people who questioned his decisions.
He particularly disliked outside investigators.
To him, anyone who challenged the department's internal procedures was questioning his authority.
When he noticed Claire standing beside the evidence desk, he slowed down.
DANIEL COLE: What's going on here?
Gabriel turned.
GABRIEL ORTIZ: Officer Cole, this is Special Agent Bennett. She's conducting a federal inspection.
Daniel looked at Claire.
Then at the black case.
Then at the identification wallet attached to her hand.
DANIEL COLE: A federal inspection?
CLAIRE BENNETT: That's correct.
DANIEL COLE: Who authorized you to come back here?
CLAIRE BENNETT: The federal task-force agreement provides inspection authority. Your department has the authorization on file.
DANIEL COLE: Nobody told me about it.
CLAIRE BENNETT: You can verify it with your watch commander.