Others mentioned Northbridge Development Group.
He noticed that some complaints had been closed without a clear explanation.
A few entries were missing supporting documents.
Daniel opened the correspondence folder.
There was an email from a local attorney who had asked for clarification about several property transfers.
The response had come from a county administrative office.
It contained only a brief statement saying that the matter had already been reviewed.
No supporting explanation was attached.
Daniel printed the document and placed it beside Elena's notes.
He was beginning to see why she had been paying attention to Bellhaven.
The town's problems were not limited to one aggressive sheriff.
There might be a pattern involving local authority, financial interests, and residents who had been unable to obtain answers.
Daniel picked up his phone and called the federal investigative contact assigned to the broader inquiry.
DANIEL PRICE: "I have an urgent update involving Judge Hayes."
The investigator answered.
INVESTIGATOR: "Go ahead."
DANIEL PRICE: "She has been assaulted by Sheriff Grant Mercer. The incident occurred at the Oakwood Diner. A witness says the sheriff threw food into her face and struck her before ordering a search of her handbag."
INVESTIGATOR: "Is her identity confirmed?"
DANIEL PRICE: "Yes. The deputy found her federal judicial identification."
INVESTIGATOR: "Where is she now?"
DANIEL PRICE: "The sheriff is transporting her to the county station."
The investigator became silent for a moment.
INVESTIGATOR: "Do you have the name of the witness?"
DANIEL PRICE: "Sarah Mitchell. She works at the diner."
INVESTIGATOR: "And the security footage?"
DANIEL PRICE: "Sarah has been instructed to preserve it."
INVESTIGATOR: "Good. We will contact the appropriate authorities and arrange to secure the recording."
Daniel looked toward the printed documents.
DANIEL PRICE: "There may be a connection to the existing Bellhaven inquiry."
INVESTIGATOR: "What makes you say that?"
DANIEL PRICE: "Judge Hayes had been reviewing complaints involving the sheriff's department and Northbridge Development Group before she left the courthouse."
INVESTIGATOR: "Do not draw conclusions yet. Preserve the documents and send them through the approved channel."
DANIEL PRICE: "Understood."
The call ended.
Daniel sat down.
He knew the investigation would now become more complicated.
But he also knew that Elena would insist on keeping the two matters properly documented.
She would not want anyone to use her assault as a reason to make unsupported accusations.
She would want the facts established.
The patrol SUV entered the parking lot of the Bellhaven County Sheriff's Office.
The building was a low brick structure with tinted windows, a flagpole near the entrance, and several marked patrol vehicles parked outside.
Owen stopped the vehicle.
Mercer got out first.
He opened the rear passenger door.
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "We're here."
Elena stepped out.
She looked at the building and then at the security camera mounted above the entrance.
ELENA HAYES: "Please record my arrival time."
Mercer ignored her request.
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "Inside."
Owen opened the main entrance.
The lobby was quiet. A clerk sat behind the front desk, and two deputies were reviewing paperwork near the hallway.
When Mercer entered with Elena, the clerk looked up.
CLERK: "Sheriff. What's going on?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "We have someone who needs to be processed."
The clerk looked at Elena's stained blouse.
Then she noticed the mark on her cheek.
CLERK: "Is she injured?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "That's not your concern."
Elena looked toward the clerk.
ELENA HAYES: "My name is Elena Hayes. I am a United States District Judge."
The clerk froze.
She had seen the name before.
She looked toward the sheriff.
CLERK: "Sheriff?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "Get the paperwork ready."
The clerk slowly stood up.
CLERK: "Should I contact the county attorney?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "Not yet."
Elena remained calm.
ELENA HAYES: "I would like my identification and phone returned."
Mercer placed her handbag on the counter but kept the phone.
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "We'll deal with your property later."
ELENA HAYES: "I want an inventory of every item."
Owen approached the desk.
DEPUTY OWEN BLAKE: "I'll prepare the inventory."
Mercer turned toward him.
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "You have other duties."
DEPUTY OWEN BLAKE: "This is part of the intake procedure."
The sheriff stared at him.
Then he walked toward his office.
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "Do what you need to do."
The clerk looked at Elena.
CLERK: "Judge Hayes, would you like some water?"