When Simone returned, Mercer was speaking sharply into his department radio. "No additional units at this location without my direct approval. And I don't want any body-camera uploads reviewed outside command until I say so."
Price looked up. "Sir, the cameras upload automatically when they dock."
"Then don't dock yours."
Simone watched Reed take out his notebook. This was no longer merely a dispute over the meaning of a traffic stop. Mercer was giving instructions about the preservation and review of potential evidence, in front of the people who were documenting them.
"Sheriff," Reed said, "we need you to stop issuing instructions that could result in lost footage. We will request the relevant recordings and logs formally."
"You can't tell me how to manage my department."
"I can tell you that destroying or altering relevant records after notice of a federal investigation can create serious additional problems."
Mercer stared at him. Then he lowered the radio.
Keller had been watching this exchange with increasing alarm. When Simone faced him, he tried to appear indifferent, but his fingers were tapping rapidly against his thigh.
"Deputy Keller, do you recognize that warehouse in the photograph?" she asked.
"No."
"You looked at it before I identified myself."
"So what? A lot of places look alike."
"It shows the south loading entrance of the county emergency warehouse at 1:26 in the morning. Your patrol car entered that property on three nights when equipment later disappeared from inventory."
"I was doing security checks."
"Then the reports should show them."
"They do."
"We have some reports. We also have logs showing they were edited after the fact."
Keller opened his mouth, looked at Mercer, and shut it again.
"Don't answer questions," Mercer said. "You're not obligated to speak without counsel."
Simone glanced at Reed. A person had the right to remain silent, and the sheriff was not wrong to mention legal representation. But the direction of Keller's eyes, and Mercer's urgency in controlling him, added to the larger pattern of conduct. Simone did not press for a confession beside the street. She knew how easy it was to mistake an unguarded accusation for admissible evidence.
"Deputy Keller," Reed said, "we are investigating specific warehouse transfers. You're free to decline an interview. We will handle any arrest or detention decisions according to the evidence and the law."
Keller took a slow breath. "Am I under arrest?"
"Not at this moment," Reed said. "But we are seeking legal process in connection with the warehouse investigation, and you should not destroy or alter any relevant information."
Mercer gave a bitter laugh. "So this whole thing is a fishing expedition."
"No," Simone answered. "The six-month investigation existed before your cruiser turned onto Alder Street. You supplied this morning's footage all by yourself."
Price moved closer to the group. He looked as though he had rehearsed what he wanted to say and was afraid of losing the words. "Agent Carter, there's something about the dispatch logs you should know."