You wrote this recently. Dugan leaned back. Does that matter? It matters if you're asking me to sign a statement about evidence I haven't been allowed to inspect.
We're not asking you to verify technical evidence. We're trying to get you out of here. Then release me. I'm offering to No, you're offering to release me if I sign something.
Dugan folded his hands on the table. Miss Williams, nobody benefits from turning this into a larger problem. Maya looked at the document again. You seem very interested in what disappeared.
Nothing disappeared. Then why do you need my signature saying nothing did? Dugan's expression remained controlled, but his answer came more slowly. It protects everyone from misunderstandings later.
Who is everyone? The department. You, the county. I didn't ask the county to protect me from a misunderstanding.
Dugan looked toward the door, then back at her. You want to know what I think happened? Maya waited. I think Mercer made a difficult decision during a stop that became unusual very quickly.
Then he found a sealed case full of material that any reasonable deputy would question. I think you made the situation harder by refusing to explain yourself. Now everyone has spent hours dealing with something that could still end quietly. You left out the broken windows.
They can be handled through insurance. You left out the search that can be reviewed. You left out the camera. Dugan stopped.
Maya watched him. The camera was documented as unreadable. He said, "By whom?" It was processed as evidence.
That wasn't my question. Dugan's voice became firmer. You're not conducting the interview. No, I'm deciding whether to put my name on your document.
He pushed the paper slightly closer to her. You could walk out of this building tonight. Maya looked at the signature line. And if I don't sign, then the investigation continues into the case, into everything.
Maya rested both hands on the table. The control number on that case can be verified. We're working on that. You've had several hours.
Sunday night is not the best time to reach county offices. That sounds like a departmental problem, not evidence of a crime. Dugan's patience thinned. You have an answer for everything.
No, I have questions about what you want me to sign. He studied her for a few seconds. How do you know so much about these procedures? Maya did not answer.
Attorney, silence. Investigator. She remained still. county employee with access to restricted records. Maya finally said, "You already asked me that and you never answered.
I told you to verify the case." Dugan looked at the unsigned form. "I can't help you if you refuse to help yourself." Maya pushed the paper back across the table.
"I didn't ask you to help me." Dugan did not pick it up. You're making a mistake. Then put that in your report, too.
He stood for the first time. The calm professionalism he had maintained since entering the room showed a small break. You think you understand what's happening here, Miss Williams. I understand that you want my signature more than you want an explanation for what your deputy did.
Dugan took the document. This offer may not be available later. Then I suggest you don't lose the paperwork. He stared at her, then walked out and closed the door.