"I've ordered preservation of the original 911 recording, both officers' body camera footage, dispatch records, and any internal documentation identifying Mrs. Vale as receiving preferential treatment."
Gordon's face went pale. "Chief, that seems excessive for a simple misunderstanding."
"A false police report isn't simple."
"You're making a serious mistake." Gordon's voice hardened. "Lenora has powerful friends throughout this city. Challenging her could threaten your appointment before you've even started."
Darius moved toward the door. "Then you'll have to find another chief willing to run a two-tier justice system."
"What do you mean by that?"
Darius paused with his hand on the doorknob. "I mean Mrs. Vale's days of special treatment are over."
Back at headquarters, Darius called Lieutenant Sarah Torres, the day-shift supervisor, into his office.
"Lieutenant, I need to see our dispatch protocols immediately."
"Which protocols specifically, Chief?"
"Priority contact designations. I want every name on the list and the criteria for inclusion."
Torres looked uncomfortable. "Sir, that's not really an official policy."
"Show me anyway."
Twenty minutes later, Darius stared at a computer screen displaying an internal database. Twelve names appeared under Priority Community Contacts. Lenora Vale was third on the list.
"Lieutenant, explain how this works."
"When these residents call, dispatch flags it as expedited. Units respond faster. Supervisors get notified immediately."
"Based on what?"
"Donation history, political connections, neighborhood association leadership."
Darius scrolled through the list. All the names belonged to wealthy residents or business owners. No teachers, no mechanics, no grocery store clerks.
"How long has this existed?"
"Years, sir. It's just how we've always done things."
"Not anymore." Darius highlighted Lenora's name and hit delete. "Remove every name from this list."
"Sir, every name?"
"Every citizen gets the same response standards. Period."
Torres hesitated. "Chief, some of these people specifically donate to ensure faster response times."
"Then their donations just became charity instead of bribes."
Within an hour, Lenora's special status had been stripped from every system. Her calls would now be evaluated like anyone else's.