You think this department can survive if every decision is treated like evidence against its own people? Maya answered calmly. "A department that can only survive by hiding its decisions has already failed." "I kept this place functioning."
"You kept it protected from consequences." Dugan's jaw tightened. "Sometimes those are the same thing."
Maya shook her head. "Not anymore."
The interview ended shortly before dawn. Outside the conference room, Mercer was given a copy of his report and told investigators would compare it line by line with the recovered video during his formal interview. He read the first page, then the second. His earlier confidence did not return.
Dugan passed him in the hallway. Neither man spoke through the eastern windows. The first daylight began to reach the courthouse square. Maya walked to the rear side of the building where the Bentley had been moved into a secured area.
She stopped near the glass door and looked at it. The body remained intact, but the empty window frames were still exposed. Broken safety glass remained across parts of the interior because the vehicle had been preserved for documentation. Reeves stood a few steps behind her.
You all right? Yes. You've been awake all night. So has everyone else.
That wasn't what I asked. Maya kept her attention on the Bentley. This started because one man couldn't accept being told no. Reeves waited and then another man decided the department mattered more than the truth.
The morning light grew stronger across the parking area. Maya turned away from the damaged car. The broken windows had started the investigation. What happened inside the station had made it much larger.
By 7:30 Monday morning, the parking lot outside the Carver County Sheriff's Office had begun to fill. Local reporters gathered near the main entrance. A television truck parked beside the courthouse square and two photographers stood across the street waiting for someone to come outside. Word had spread that an overnight incident involved the newly appointed sheriff, though most people still did not know exactly what had happened.
Inside, Maya stood in the conference room with Michael Reeves and agent Blake. Blake closed a folder. We're placing Mercer on administrative leave pending the investigation. Maya nodded.
And Dugan, he'll be removed from any role that gives him access to evidence, personnel files, or case management systems while we continue. That needs to happen immediately. It will. Reeves looked toward Maya.
The county was supposed to announce your appointment at 9:00. I know that plan is gone. Maya looked through the window toward the lobby. "What are reporters asking?"
"Everything."
Whether you were arrested, whether you were assaulted, whether this was some kind of internal test, whether Mercer knew who you were. Maya turned back. I'm not giving them a story before the evidence is reviewed. They'll interpret silence.
They can interpret whatever they want. We'll give them facts. Reeves nodded. You want me beside you?
Yes. Maya paused. And Agent Blake stays in charge of discussing the investigation. Blake agreed.
Shortly after 8, Mercer was called into a personnel office. He entered with a union representative who had arrived less than 20 minutes earlier. Dugan was brought into a separate administrative room. Neither man was permitted access to the evidence system.