The clear plastic container held his keys, damaged phone, and wallet.
For the first time, Briggs seemed to understand the terrible irony of the situation.
He had been assigned to handle property.
That was the center of the investigation.
And only minutes earlier, while holding a legitimate police credential, he had publicly accused its owner of theft.
The investigator continued.
“We have obtained financial records connecting several unauthorized property transfers to accounts associated with this department.”
Briggs looked toward the chief.
“Sir, this is ridiculous.”
Whitaker did not answer.
The investigator placed several photographs on the counter.
They showed cash envelopes.
Property bags.
Inventory sheets.
Security-camera stills.
One photograph showed Briggs opening a detainee's property envelope after the inventory was completed.
Another showed him handing a sealed package to an officer whose face was partly obscured.
Briggs stared at the pictures.
Then looked toward Daniel.
Recognition slowly entered his eyes.
“You.”
Daniel said nothing.
Briggs pointed toward him.
“You've been looking into me.”
The federal investigator stepped between them.
“Officer Briggs, stop.”
But Briggs continued staring.
“You set this up.”
Daniel looked him directly in the eyes.
“No.”
Briggs laughed bitterly.
“You expect me to believe this was an accident?”
“The traffic stop was not authorized by my team.”
Briggs shook his head.
“You knew.”
Daniel's expression hardened.
“I knew your name appeared in multiple complaints.”
He paused.
“I did not know you would decide to demonstrate the behavior personally.”
Several officers looked away.
Briggs's face darkened.
The federal investigator raised his voice.
“Officer Briggs, you need to remain silent unless you're providing a formal statement.”
Briggs looked toward the chief.
Then toward Keller.
Then back at Daniel.
For the first time, he understood that the young man he had assaulted might become a witness in an investigation capable of ending his career.
And perhaps much more.
Medical personnel arrived shortly afterward.
A nurse examined Daniel's wrists.
She cleaned the scrapes on his hands.
Photographed visible injuries with consent.
Documented swelling and tenderness.
Then recommended further evaluation because of pain near his right thumb and wrist.
Daniel accepted.
He had no interest in exaggerating his injuries.
He wanted the record accurate.
Accuracy mattered.
It had always mattered.
As he stood to leave the processing area, Briggs suddenly spoke.
“Carter.”
Daniel stopped.
The officer's voice had changed.
It was no longer commanding.
No longer mocking.
Almost pleading.
“I didn't know.”
Daniel turned.
Briggs looked at him.
“I swear I didn't know who you were.”
Daniel studied the man's face.
Then answered quietly.
“That's the problem.”