"Then explain it."
"You think you can walk into this department and change everything because the mayor gave you a title?"
Marcus remained still.
"I think the department can operate without hiding records and threatening employees."
Vance's jaw tightened.
"You should be careful about who you accuse."
Marcus opened the drawer and removed a copy of the access log.
"This is a record of the archive being accessed through an administrative override account. The account was connected to a device under your office's control."
Vance glanced at the document.
"That proves nothing."
"Agreed. That's why we're investigating."
Vance pushed the paper back.
"You have no idea what you're doing."
Marcus looked directly at him.
"Perhaps not. But I know what evidence preservation means, and I know what interference with an investigation looks like."
Vance turned toward the door.
"Don't expect everyone to stand behind you."
Marcus answered calmly.
"I don't need everyone to stand behind me. I need them to follow the law."
Vance left.
Marcus remained at his desk for several seconds.
Then his phone rang.
It was the city auditor.
"Chief Harris, we've reviewed your preliminary request. There is something you should know."
"What is it?"
"We found references to a series of payments that were never included in the department's annual financial reports."
Marcus straightened.
"How many?"
"At least twenty-four transactions so far. We're still reviewing the remaining records."
"Are they connected to Northbridge Security Solutions?"
"Yes. Several payments went through intermediary companies."
Marcus took a notebook.
"Can you identify the beneficiaries?"
"Not yet. Some of the companies have complex ownership structures."
"Send the findings through the secure legal channel."
"We will."
The call ended.
Marcus looked toward the window.
The investigation was no longer just about a department's internal misconduct.
It was becoming a citywide financial inquiry.
***
Two days later, the first major public development occurred.
A local journalist contacted the department asking about reports of an internal corruption investigation.
The request mentioned the suspension of Thomas Reed and the discovery of restricted financial records.
Marcus immediately contacted the legal adviser.
"We need to respond without compromising the investigation."
The adviser agreed.
A brief statement was prepared confirming that the department had initiated an internal review and had requested independent assistance.
It did not name individuals or reveal confidential evidence.
Within hours, local news outlets began reporting that Bellwood Police Department was investigating possible financial irregularities.
The story spread quickly.
Residents began asking questions.
Why had equipment purchases been approved without corresponding inventory records?
Why had internal complaints disappeared from official databases?
Why had a police officer been allowed to assault someone at the department's reception desk?
The mayor's office released a statement supporting an independent review.
But behind closed doors, pressure was building.
Several senior officers contacted Marcus to complain that the investigation was damaging morale.
One commander requested an emergency meeting.
Another warned that experienced personnel might resign if the review continued.
Marcus listened to each concern.
He did not dismiss the possibility that the investigation could create disruption.
But he also knew that avoiding the problem would only make the eventual consequences worse.
During a staff briefing, he addressed the department.
"I understand that many of you are worried about the recent reports. Some of you may believe that the investigation reflects badly on every officer in this building."
He paused.
"It does not."
The room became quiet.
"The actions of a few individuals should not define the work of everyone else. But we cannot protect the department's reputation by ignoring evidence. We protect it by being honest about what happened and correcting it."
An officer near the back raised his hand.
"What happens if the investigation finds that senior commanders were involved?"
Marcus looked at him.
"Then the evidence will be referred to the appropriate authorities, and the people responsible will be held accountable."
Another officer spoke.
"What about the people who reported misconduct and were ignored?"
"They deserve to have their complaints reviewed properly."
Marcus looked around the room.
"I am not asking you to take sides. I am asking you to do your jobs honestly. Preserve records. Follow procedures. Do not threaten witnesses. Do not interfere with investigators. If you have information, report it through the proper channel."
He paused again.
"This department belongs to the people of Bellwood. It does not belong to any chief, deputy chief, commander, or individual officer."
For the first time since his arrival, several officers applauded.
The applause was not unanimous.
But it was enough to show that the department was beginning to change.
***
Thomas Reed watched the briefing from a television in his apartment.
His suspension had been extended, and he was no longer permitted to enter department property without authorization.