"Those were legitimate safety decisions," Voss said at last, after conferring with his attorney. "I signed authorizations because it was my responsibility. My wife's consulting business is separate from my work." The investigator acknowledged the denial and asked whether he wished to address the altered log. His attorney advised him not to answer.
Reigns shifted in his chair. "He approved the tows," he said suddenly, pointing at Voss. "Every time. If the procedures were wrong, he was the one who told us they were allowed."
Voss turned sharply. "Don't start blaming me for what you said on the road. I never ordered you to demand money from anyone."
"You knew what was happening," Reigns insisted, anger rising despite his attorney's attempt to interrupt. "You told us the towing program needed numbers. You told me complaints were handled upstairs and nobody would bother us as long as the paperwork looked right." Voss's face flushed. "You had orders to enforce the law, Derek. Not to get greedy and talk yourself into trouble."
The words hung in the conference room. Kim made a brief note and asked both men to stop discussing the case without consulting their attorneys. Marcus did not interrupt. He was struck by how quickly their years of mutual protection dissolved once they believed the other might become useful as a defense.
An outside sheriff's investigator stepped forward with the warrants. She identified herself, confirmed each man's identity, and informed them of the charges being alleged. Reigns looked stunned even though he had known criminal scrutiny was possible. Voss lowered his head and stared at the polished table as if the surface might hold a simpler explanation.
"Derek Reigns, you are under arrest under the charges specified in this warrant," the investigator said. Another officer addressed Voss in the same measured tone. The two men were secured without unnecessary force, their property inventoried, and their attorneys informed of the next steps. The officers watching from the hallway did not cheer.
Reigns recovered enough to protest. "You're destroying twelve years of my life over five hundred dollars!" Marcus stood near the door, letting the investigator control the process. Then he answered quietly, "The five hundred dollars is what you demanded from me. This case is also about every person who says the same thing happened to them. You had twelve years to decide how to use your authority."
Voss looked up as the investigators prepared to escort him out. "I never stopped those drivers myself," he said. "I never stood at the window asking for money."
Marcus met his gaze. "The investigation will determine exactly what you did. But supervising a system doesn't make you innocent of the decisions you approved. It means those decisions carry your name."