Instead, the contractor had just made the situation more suspicious.
Richard opened the office door.
Emily was working at the dispatch desk.
"Has anyone else called?"
Emily looked up.
"Yes, Sheriff. Sterling Medical Systems called again."
"What did they say?"
"They requested confirmation that Ms. Sterling's attorney could speak with her."
Richard walked toward the counter.
"Did you tell them anything?"
"I told them the request was being processed."
He looked at her.
"Anything else?"
Emily hesitated.
"They also said that an attorney from the state office may contact us."
Richard's expression changed.
"The state office?"
"Yes, sir."
He turned away.
Then he stopped.
"Did they give you a name?"
Emily checked her notes.
"Attorney General's Office. An investigator named Thomas Reed."
Richard stared at her.
"Why didn't you tell me earlier?"
"I just received the information."
He returned to his office.
The door closed.
At 5:06 p.m., a new email arrived in the county attorney's inbox.
The sender was the state investigative division.
The subject line read:
REQUEST FOR PRESERVATION OF RECORDS – BELLWOOD MEDICAL INFRASTRUCTURE.
Robert Ellis opened the message.
It requested immediate preservation of documents associated with Westbridge Development, Sterling Medical Systems, and the recent attempted removal of hospital equipment.
It also requested confirmation of any law enforcement involvement.
Robert read the email twice.
Then he picked up his phone.
He called Richard Coleman.
"Daniel, we have a problem."
The sheriff answered.
"What now?"
"The state has contacted us."
Richard stood up.
"What do they want?"
"They're investigating the equipment contracts."
Richard looked toward the window.
Robert continued.
"They've requested preservation of all records connected to Westbridge and Sterling Medical Systems."
Richard rubbed his forehead.
"Does that include the arrest?"
"It certainly may."
The sheriff remained silent.
Robert continued.
"I need you to send me the original arrest report and every communication related to the incident."
Richard hesitated.
"Why?"
"Because I need to establish whether the department received any information from Whitmore before the arrest."
The sheriff looked at the folder on his desk.
"I'll send what I have."
Robert paused.
"Daniel, I need everything. Don't leave anything out."
Richard's jaw tightened.
"Understood."
After ending the call, he opened his computer.
He searched for emails from Charles Whitmore.
Several messages appeared.
The first was dated three weeks earlier.
It contained a complaint about Sterling Medical Systems and the hospital's new management.
The second requested a meeting with the sheriff.
The third referred to a possible equipment recovery operation.
Richard opened it.
The message included an attachment.
It was a draft letter describing the company's claimed rights to the equipment.
At the bottom was a request for local law enforcement assistance if the facility's management attempted to interfere.
Richard stared at the screen.
He remembered receiving that message.
He remembered discussing it with Whitmore.
He also remembered telling him that the sheriff's office could not become involved in a private contractual dispute without a valid legal basis.
But he had never followed up.
And now he had arrested the woman who had been challenging the attempted removal.
He closed the email.
Then he opened the booking system.
Victoria's record was still active.
He looked at the photograph attached to the intake file.
She was sitting in the booking chair with her head held high.
Her expression was calm.
Richard leaned back.
For the first time, he wondered whether Victoria had known more about the situation than he did.
At 5:22 p.m., Emily received another telephone call.
She answered.
"Bellwood County Sheriff's Office."
A woman introduced herself.
"This is Laura Bennett, attorney for Victoria Sterling."
Emily immediately recognized the name from the previous call.
"Good afternoon, Ms. Bennett."
LAURA: "I understand my client is being held at your facility."
EMILY: "Yes, ma'am."
LAURA: "I need to speak with her immediately."
Emily looked toward Richard's office.
"One moment, please."
She placed the call on hold and walked toward the sheriff.
"Sir, Ms. Sterling's attorney is on the line."
Richard looked up.
"Put her through."
Emily returned to the desk and transferred the call.
Richard picked up the receiver.
"This is Sheriff Coleman."
LAURA: "I'm Laura Bennett. I represent Victoria Sterling."
"All right."
LAURA: "My client has requested legal counsel. I expect her request to be honored immediately."
Richard shifted in his chair.
"She's being processed."
LAURA: "The booking process does not prevent her from exercising her rights."
Richard looked toward the door.
"I understand."
LAURA: "I also need to know why she was arrested."
"Obstruction."
LAURA: "What specific action constituted obstruction?"
Richard paused.
"She interfered with an investigation."
LAURA: "Which investigation?"
Richard did not answer.
The attorney continued.
"Was there a warrant?"
"No."
"Was she attempting to destroy evidence?"
"No."
"Was she threatening anyone?"
"No."
"Was she attempting to leave?"
Richard looked down at the report.
"No."
Laura's voice remained controlled.
"Then I want a complete copy of the arrest documentation and confirmation that she can speak with me privately."
Richard exhaled.
"We'll arrange it."
LAURA: "Thank you. I will be contacting the county attorney as well."
The call ended.
Richard placed the receiver down.
He looked at the clock.
5:29 p.m.
The station had become unusually quiet.
Deputies were moving through the corridors, but nobody seemed interested in making casual conversation.