Francis sat. "Which one?" "The one of the taser. And the local reporting. I've also seen the claims being circulated about your conduct."
"Then you know what happened," Francis replied. Larson folded his hands. "I know what the footage shows. I also know there are competing accounts."
Francis felt his shoulders tighten. "There's an official report that misrepresents what happened, and an anonymous post repeating it." Larson nodded slowly. "That may be.
But optics matter, Francis. You're aware of that." The word irritated Francis more than he expected, because it suggested that the appearance of controversy might be treated as important as the conduct that caused it.
"I didn't ask to become a public story," Francis said. "I was washing my car." Larson studied him. "I believe you. I also have a two-year investigation nearing a point where defense attorneys will challenge the credibility of everybody involved.
I cannot have our lead team become an unnecessary distraction." Francis understood the calculation. He had made similar arguments himself when protecting sensitive operations. But understanding the concern did not mean accepting silence as the answer.
"Are you asking me to drop the complaint?" he asked. Larson shook his head. "No. I'm asking you to let the established local review process work while you maintain discretion. Once the Hartwell case reaches the next stage, I'll support you in whatever lawful steps are appropriate."
Francis looked down. Time was rarely neutral in investigations. Records disappeared, witnesses became unsure, memories shifted, and the people most interested in delay often benefited from it. He thought of Daly telling him a case number might take weeks.
"With respect," Francis said, "the local process has already produced a false report. I have reason to believe evidence preservation is being handled carelessly. Waiting may make it harder to establish what happened." Larson leaned back. "Do you have evidence of deliberate tampering?"
"Not yet." "Then don't turn suspicion into a conclusion. Build the facts." Francis knew the advice was sound, even if he disliked the circumstances that made it necessary.