The guard approached, and Daniel stepped between him and the table. He did not raise his fists or make any move to attack. He simply stood in the space through which the box would have to pass.
"That material stays where it is until the officers arrive," Daniel said.
Richard looked at him with open contempt. "That's your problem, Carter. You think doing the right thing makes you untouchable."
"No," Daniel said. "I know it doesn't."
The honesty of the answer seemed to confuse the older man. Daniel reached carefully into his jacket and lifted out his phone, recording indicator visible on the screen. He had activated it after the unexpected arrival and had also sent the archive location and developing concern to the police desk officer. It was not an elaborate trap, merely the quickest way he knew to make sure their account of the meeting did not depend on which person had the most important title.
"You've been recording?" Richard demanded.
"Since before you walked in."
Richard stepped toward him abruptly. Branson reached for Daniel's forearm at the same moment, and for several seconds the room became a confusion of movement and raised voices. Daniel turned to protect the phone without striking anyone. Victoria shouted for the guard to release him, and Mr. Lawson backed toward the entrance, calling out that police were outside.
A sharp command came from the doorway. "Everybody stop moving. Hands where we can see them."
Two uniformed officers entered with a third close behind. Daniel stepped away from the table and lifted both hands. Branson released his arm immediately, looking frightened now that the authority Richard had invoked had been replaced by actual law enforcement officers. Victoria identified herself and pointed toward the documents.
The officers separated everyone and began asking questions. Daniel explained that he and Victoria had entered with authorization, had found records they believed might be evidence, and had been confronted by a man attempting to take the originals. He gave his account in chronological order rather than describing Richard's motives as though they were proven facts. When an officer asked about the recording, he offered to preserve it and provide a copy through the proper process.
Richard tried to redirect the conversation. He described the incident as a misunderstanding over company property and suggested the officers were wasting time on a private corporate disagreement. Then he learned that the company CEO was formally requesting that the records remain protected and that the independent legal team had already notified police of suspected document tampering.
An officer asked Richard whether he had authorized the guard to confine anyone or seize evidence. Richard answered that he had merely requested the documents be secured. Branson, still standing beside the table, said quietly that his instructions had been to prevent the two visitors from leaving with the box and to recover it for Richard's office. The officer asked to see the work order and took it as part of the report.