To most residents, it was an ordinary local police agency.
But Emily knew that appearances could be misleading.
Inside, the atmosphere was tense.
Several officers stood near the reception area, whispering to one another.
A uniformed sergeant approached.
"Can I help you?"
Marcus displayed his federal identification.
"We're here to meet Chief Wallace."
The sergeant looked at the badge.
Then at Emily.
"Do you have an appointment?"
Marcus's expression remained neutral.
"Tell him Marcus Reed is here regarding the federal investigation."
The sergeant hesitated.
"One moment."
He disappeared through a door.
A minute later, a man in his early sixties emerged.
Chief Edward Wallace was broad-shouldered, with silver hair and a neatly pressed uniform. He had been in law enforcement for more than thirty years and had served as Westbridge's police chief for the past seven.
He extended his hand.
"Mr. Reed."
Marcus shook it.
"Chief."
Wallace looked at Emily.
"Investigator Carter. I understand there was an unfortunate incident."
Emily said nothing.
Wallace continued.
"First, let me apologize for the way you were treated. Officer Brooks was apparently operating on incomplete information."
Marcus studied him.
"Where did he get that information?"
Wallace blinked.
"We're looking into it."
"Who made the call?"
"Our dispatch center received an anonymous report."
"From whom?"
"We don't know."
"Have you preserved the original recording?"
"Of course."
Marcus nodded.
"Good. We will need a certified copy."
Wallace glanced at Emily.
"Perhaps we could discuss this privately."
Emily shook her head.
"No."
The chief looked surprised.
"Excuse me?"
"I'd prefer that all discussions related to my arrest be documented."
Wallace gave a polite but strained smile.
"Certainly."
Marcus stepped forward.
"We also need the complete personnel and duty records for Officer Daniel Brooks and Lieutenant Robert Hayes."
The chief's expression changed slightly.
"Hayes?"
"Yes."
"Why?"
"We have reason to believe he was present at a storage facility connected to our investigation this afternoon."
Wallace shook his head.
"That can't be right. Lieutenant Hayes was attending a regional training session."
Emily spoke.
"Was he?"
"Yes."
"Can you confirm that?"
"Absolutely."
Marcus looked at him.
"Then producing the attendance records should be straightforward."
Wallace hesitated.
"Of course."
Emily watched his face.
There it was again.
That slight pause.
The same expression she had noticed when Brooks first realized she was a federal investigator.
It wasn't necessarily proof of guilt.
But it was enough to make her uncomfortable.
Marcus continued.
"We will also need access to the vehicle impound database, evidence transfer logs, and the department's internal communications relating to Voss Recovery."
Wallace's expression hardened.
"That is a significant request."
"It's a federal investigation."
"I understand that, but these are sensitive records."
"Which is why we are requesting them through the appropriate channels."
Wallace nodded slowly.
"I'll have our legal counsel review the request."
Marcus looked at him.
"Chief, I would strongly recommend that no records be deleted, altered, moved, or otherwise disturbed."
Wallace's smile disappeared.
"Are you suggesting someone here might destroy evidence?"
"I'm suggesting that everyone should understand the consequences of doing so."
For a moment, the two men stared at each other.
Then Wallace gestured toward his office.
"Let's talk."
Emily followed them inside.
The office was spacious, with framed photographs of the department's history covering the walls.
A large American flag stood behind the chief's desk.
There were awards, certificates, and photographs of Wallace standing beside various public officials.
Emily recognized several faces.
One belonged to Richard Voss.
Another belonged to a state senator.
A third belonged to Robert Hayes.
Wallace noticed her looking.
"Lieutenant Hayes has served this department for more than twenty years. He's one of our most experienced officers."
"Experience doesn't guarantee integrity," Emily replied.
Wallace looked at her.
"Neither does a federal badge."
Marcus slowly turned his head.
"Chief."
Wallace sighed.
"I apologize. That was inappropriate."
Emily remained silent.
Marcus placed a folder on the desk.
"We're not here to exchange opinions. We're here because several criminal cases may have been compromised through improper evidence handling."
Wallace opened the folder.
His expression changed as he examined the first page.
"These are allegations."
"Some are."
"None of this proves misconduct."
"That's why we're investigating."
Wallace closed the folder.
"What exactly do you want from me?"
"Cooperation."
"With what?"
"An investigation into your department."
The chief leaned back.
"You're asking me to help you investigate my own officers."
"I'm asking you to help determine whether any officer has abused the authority entrusted to them."
Wallace looked toward the window.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then he asked a question that made Emily sit forward.
"Have you spoken to Richard Voss?"
Marcus's expression became unreadable.
"Why?"
Wallace looked at him.
"Because if you're investigating his company, you should understand that he has a lot of influence in this town."
Emily's eyes narrowed.
"Influence isn't immunity."
Wallace sighed.
"No. But it changes things."
Marcus closed his folder.
"Are you warning us?"
"I'm explaining the reality of the situation."
Emily leaned forward.
"Chief, how long have you known that evidence from your department was being transferred to Voss Recovery without authorization?"
Wallace stared at her.
"I have no knowledge of that."
"Then why did you bring him up?"
"Because his company is involved."
"That wasn't my question."
Wallace's jaw tightened.
"I think this meeting is over."
Marcus stood.
"Agreed."
He collected the folder.
"One more thing. We will be securing Officer Brooks's body camera footage, patrol vehicle recordings, dispatch communications, and all related digital records."
Wallace nodded stiffly.
"Submit the request."
"We already have."
Marcus walked toward the door.
Emily followed.
But before she left, she turned toward the chief.
"Chief Wallace?"
He looked up.
"Yes?"