"Look at this. In the past eighteen months, Vision Heights bought thirty-six homes in three different districts. Every sale followed multiple police incidents."
"They're working together," Marcus said. "Using badges to drive down property values."
"It gets worse." Daniel lowered his voice. "Two homeowners who refused to sell had accidents. One garage fire, one car crash. Nothing proven, but the timing was convenient."
Marcus felt cold anger settling in his chest. "We need proof that connects Holt directly."
"That's the hard part. He's careful." Daniel pulled up more files. "But there are patterns. Every time Vision Heights closes a group of properties, someone makes large cash deposits to an offshore account. The amounts match standard kickback percentages."
The diner's door chimed. A woman in plain clothes entered, scanning the room before walking to their booth. Marcus tensed until Daniel nodded slightly.
"Detective Delgado," she said quietly, sliding in next to Daniel. "We need to talk."
Rosa Delgado looked exhausted, with dark circles under her eyes. She glanced at the scattered papers. "I see you're connecting dots."
"Can you help?" Marcus asked.
"Not officially." She pushed a coffee cup aside. "Internal Affairs has received dozens of complaints about Holt's tactics. They disappear into his personnel file, marked unfounded. He's got protection somewhere high up."
"But you're talking to us," Daniel noted.
Delgado's expression hardened. "I've watched him turn the department into his personal enforcement squad. Good officers either fall in line or get pushed out. Nobody can prove anything."
"My wife's sitting in jail because of his scheme," Marcus said.
"I know. I saw the booking report. Delgado leaned forward. "Listen carefully.
I can't openly help, but hypothetically, officers' body cameras upload footage to a secure server. Backups are automatically generated. If someone knew where to look, they might find interesting conversations about property deals."
Daniel was already typing notes. "Hypothetically, where would these backups be stored?"
"I couldn't say. But the IT department recently upgraded their system. The old servers are in the basement storage room. Technically, they're scheduled for disposal next week."
She stood. "I need to go. Keep digging, but watch your backs. Holt doesn't play fair."
After she left, Daniel turned to Marcus. "We need those servers."
"Leave that to me. What about the money trail?"
"I've got contacts at three banks. Give me a few hours." Daniel packed his bag. "Meet me at my office tonight. Bring whatever you find."