"Do you know what caused that anger?" Francis asked. "He mentioned the grocery store while we were heading over," Puren replied. "Said you were some guy who thought you could embarrass him." Francis felt an unwelcome surge of satisfaction at the corroboration, then checked it.
A verbal account was useful, but it would need a properly documented statement. "What about the report?" he asked. Puren looked toward the windows, then leaned closer. "Bellamy's first notes were different."
Francis did not move. "Different how?" Puren lowered his voice. "Right after the incident, Bellamy wrote that you were stationary and showed your hands. He didn't describe any threatening movement.
Mason spoke with him later that night, and the official statement said you were aggressive." Francis listened carefully, then asked whether Puren had personally seen both versions. Puren said he had seen the initial handwritten notes and the filed statement, but did not have copies. He described a conversation in which Mason told Bellamy that the report needed to reflect officers' safety concerns.
"Would you be willing to say that in a formal interview?" Francis asked. Puren stared at him. "They'll destroy my career."
"I can't promise what the department will do," Francis replied. "I can promise I won't misrepresent what you tell me." The officer's hands tightened around his cup. "Bellamy knows I'm uncomfortable.
He told me to remember whose side I'm on." Francis considered him for a moment. "The truth isn't a side, Nate. It's what happened."
Puren looked up at the use of his first name. His eyes were red from lack of sleep. "I know that," he whispered. "I just wish knowing made it easier."
Francis understood. He had seen witnesses face the loss of friendships, careers, and community ties after deciding not to support a false account. Courage was rarely a dramatic speech delivered without fear. More often it was a small, frightened decision made by somebody who understood the cost.
"Take time to speak with independent counsel if you need to," Francis said. "If you're ready to cooperate, the statement needs to go through an appropriate investigator so nobody can claim I coached you." Puren nodded slowly. "I'll testify if they call me."