The lead investigator was a woman with short graying hair and a measured voice. She introduced herself, showed Malik the court order, and explained what the team intended to collect. They would photograph the recording hub, document the connections, create a forensic copy where practical, and seal the hardware for examination. Malik read the authorization before inviting them inside and indicated the utility room where the system had been installed.
"I understand the order," he said. "I'll cooperate. Please make sure the receipt identifies everything taken and the condition of the equipment."
"It will," the investigator answered. "You can remain nearby so long as you don't interfere with the collection."
The utility room smelled faintly of new paint and cardboard. The recording hub was a compact black device mounted beside the network cabinet, with cables labeled by the technician who had installed it. One investigator photographed the unit and its connections while another read the serial information into a recorder. The lead investigator explained each step as it happened, which did not make Malik enjoy watching his new home's security system being disconnected, but did at least make the procedure intelligible.
Ward stood in the hallway taking notes. Moreno watched from farther back, careful not to become involved in the collection of evidence relevant to her own witness account. Malik remembered how Halbrook had dismissed his request for a basic property check and felt the contrast sharply. These investigators were taking an intrusive step into his house, but they had shown the legal authority for it and were documenting what they did.
When the hub had been sealed, the lead investigator handed him a receipt and an acknowledgment form. Malik checked the listed serial number and the description of the storage components before signing. The investigator thanked him and promised that any further request for account information would come through the formal process. Then she carried the case toward the front door, and Malik followed far enough to watch it leave the house.
Through the front window, he could see Vivien standing near her own hedge. She had emerged at the arrival of the official vehicles and was looking toward his front door with an expression of satisfied anticipation. As the evidence case was loaded into an investigator's vehicle, she folded her arms and leaned back on one hip. She seemed convinced that the mere sight of government agents removing equipment from Malik's home proved something against him.
Ward waited until the team had departed before speaking again. "I have one more piece of news, and I wanted to tell you in person. The council's legal advisers have recommended temporary administrative leave while the evidence-tampering allegation against you is resolved. The city has agreed to the leave with pay."
Malik stared at her. "I'm the one whose house they tried to enter. I'm the one who reported the misconduct."
"I know. The leave is not a finding against you. It prevents either side from claiming you are influencing the department while the authenticity of the recordings is questioned."
"So Halbrook got what he wanted."
"For the moment, he has created a serious enough dispute that the council believes separation is necessary. I argued for a narrower restriction, but they want the investigation completed before you exercise command authority again."