"An independent evidence technician should photograph it exactly where it is first."
The chief agreed.
The agent turned toward the black case.
"This remains in my custody."
"Of course," the chief replied.
But something about the way he said those words caught her attention.
He sounded relieved that the case had not been opened.
Too relieved.
She watched his face closely.
"Chief, who assigned this officer to the inspection table?"
He hesitated.
"That's a routine scheduling matter."
"Then it should be easy to verify."
"Yes."
"Who was notified about my arrival?"
The chief looked uncomfortable.
"The command office. Security personnel."
"Which personnel?"
"I'd have to check."
The agent nodded.
"Please do."
He glanced toward the interior hallway.
She followed his gaze.
At the far end stood a uniformed senior officer holding a tablet.
The man had been watching the confrontation from a distance.
When he realized the agent was looking at him, he turned and disappeared through a doorway.
The agent made a mental note.
Then her phone vibrated.
A short message appeared.
Independent transfer personnel confirmed on site. Preserve location. Further action pending.
She locked the screen.
The chief noticed.
"Is everything all right?"
"That depends."
"On what?"
She looked directly at him.
"Whether the people who were expecting me came here to help your department cooperate with a federal investigation."
She paused.
"Or to find out exactly what evidence I was carrying."
The chief said nothing.
The agent looked toward the interior hallway again.