But what had happened that morning was different.
An officer had physically attacked a woman in the middle of the department's main lobby, apparently believing that nobody would question his authority. Worse, he had done it in front of several employees and visitors.
Richard turned toward Victoria.
Richard: "The medical team is ready to examine your nose. I strongly recommend that you let them check it."
Victoria: "I will. But first, I want to understand what happened before you came downstairs."
Richard: "What do you mean?"
Victoria: "The receptionist tried to tell him I had an appointment. He dismissed her. I presented my credentials, and he barely looked at them. He didn't contact the executive office or check the visitor schedule. He simply decided that I wasn't allowed to enter."
Richard listened carefully.
Victoria: "Then he made a comment about people like me. When I asked him to explain, he became more aggressive. I want to know whether this is how he normally treats visitors."
Richard lowered his eyes briefly.
Richard: "I can't tell you that yet. But I can make sure we find out."
Victoria: "Good. I don't want assumptions. I want evidence."
A knock interrupted them.
David Brooks entered with a tablet and a printed security report.
David: "Chief, the security supervisor has confirmed that all relevant recordings have been secured. The lobby camera, reception camera, entrance camera, and hallway camera are all working. We also have footage from the elevator area."
Victoria: "Has anyone accessed the original recordings?"
David: "Only the security supervisor and the technician responsible for preserving them. Their access has been documented. Copies are being created for the investigation team."
Victoria: "Make sure the original files remain untouched. I want the recording times, file information, and access history preserved as well."
David: "Already arranged."
Richard took the report and examined it.
Richard: "Did the supervisor see the incident?"
David: "He reviewed the footage to confirm that the recordings were complete. He has not prepared a narrative or made any conclusions."
Victoria: "That's appropriate. The investigators should review the footage independently."
David nodded.
David: "There's something else. Several employees were present in the lobby, and two visitors may have witnessed the confrontation. The security supervisor has identified their approximate positions."
Victoria: "Then we need their statements."
David: "I'll coordinate with Captain Brooks."
Victoria: "Make sure nobody discusses the details of the incident with potential witnesses before they're interviewed. I don't want their memories influenced by what someone else says."
Richard: "I'll make that instruction clear."
Victoria stood carefully.
The tissue beneath her nose had begun to show another small trace of blood. She pressed it gently against the injury and walked toward the door.
Richard: "Where are you going?"
Victoria: "To speak with the receptionist."
Richard: "You should rest first."
Victoria: "I will, after I understand what she witnessed. She tried to intervene, and the officer ordered her to stay out of it. I want her to know that she did the right thing by trying to help."
Richard considered her request before nodding.
Richard: "I'll come with you."
They returned to the reception area.
The atmosphere had changed dramatically. Several employees were gathered near the administrative corridor, speaking in low voices. The visitors who had witnessed the confrontation were being approached by staff members who explained that the department wanted to collect their accounts.
Laura Mitchell was standing behind the reception desk.
When she saw Victoria approaching, she immediately came around from behind it.
Laura: "Chief Hayes, are you feeling any better?"
Victoria: "I'm all right. Thank you for trying to help earlier."
Laura looked uncomfortable.
Laura: "I'm sorry I couldn't stop him."
Victoria shook her head.
Victoria: "You did try. I heard you telling him that my appointment was confirmed."
Laura: "I should have done more."
Victoria: "You should never have been put in that position. The responsibility for his actions belongs to him, not to you."
Laura looked down at the floor.
Victoria noticed that she seemed more frightened than simply upset by the incident.
Victoria: "Can I ask you something?"
Laura: "Of course."
Victoria: "Has Officer Mitchell behaved this way with other visitors?"
Laura hesitated.
For a moment, she looked toward the hallway to make sure nobody was standing close enough to hear.
Laura: "I've seen him lose his temper before."
Richard moved slightly closer.
Richard: "What kind of situations?"