Dugan's office door opened immediately. He stepped into the corridor and looked toward the entrance. Noah glanced at the wall clock again. 15 minutes remained before midnight.
Whatever Dugan had been trying to finish before then was about to meet two people who had arrived carrying paperwork of their own. The front doors opened and the man from the county sedan stepped inside with the woman beside him. Both appeared to be in their 50s. The man wore a dark suit and carried a leather folder.
The woman carried a thick county file with several official tabs visible along the edge. Dugan walked toward them before the dispatcher could leave her desk. Evening. Captain Raymond Dugan.
The man offered a brief handshake. Michael Reeves, county attorney. This is Helen Porter from the Board of County Commissioners' Office. Dugan looked at the folder in Reeves's hand.
What can I do for you? We need Maya Williams. Dugan's expression changed only slightly. You're here about the restricted records.
Reeves did not answer the question. Where is Miss Williams? She's being held while we investigate possible unlawful possession of internal county material. Porter looked at Reeves, then at Dugan.
Reeves asked, "Held, interview holding. Has she been formally charged? We're still working through the incident. Then bring her out.
Dugan's tone remained polite. I'll need more than that. We have an active investigation. Reeves looked toward the clock above the booking desk.
It was a few minutes before midnight. We can wait. Dugan frowned. For what?
Reeves did not explain. Mercer had come out of the hallway and was now standing several feet away. Noah remained near the evidence workstation. Porter placed her county file on the counter but kept one hand on it.
Dugan looked between them. If this is about the case in her vehicle, we have reason to believe it contains restricted internal review documents. She refused to explain how she obtained them. Reeves asked.
Did anyone verify the control number on the case? Dugan paused. We were in the process. That sounds like a no.
Mercer stepped forward. The circumstances gave us reason to believe the material could be stolen. Reeves looked at him. You are Deputy Travis Mercer.
Porter glanced at the file in front of her. Mercer noticed. What? Nothing.
She said. Reeves returned his attention to Dugan. I want Miss Williams brought out. Dugan crossed his arms again.
You're asking me to interrupt an active investigation. Reeves looked at the clock. One minute remained before midnight. Captain, I'm not asking you to interrupt anything yet.
The room became unusually quiet. The dispatcher stopped typing. Noah looked toward the clock. Mercer followed his attention.
Dugan appeared more irritated than concerned. Then the minute changed. Midnight. Porter opened the county file.
Reeves waited several seconds longer before speaking. "Now bring her out." Dugan's patience ended. "On whose authority?"