His expression hardened.
"Investigator Vance."
I turned.
"Deputy Chief."
He approached slowly.
"I understand there's been an incident."
I glanced toward the coffee stains drying across my shirt.
"Several."
His eyes followed mine.
For a moment, he seemed almost annoyed.
"Officer Rourke's behavior was unacceptable. I'll make sure it's handled."
"Thank you."
Mercer nodded.
Then looked toward the property room.
"But I'm told your people are disrupting our operations."
I studied him.
"We're preserving records relevant to an authorized investigation."
He folded his arms.
"Without coordinating with my office."
"The authorization was served through the appropriate channels."
He smiled faintly.
"That's not what I asked."
I waited.
Mercer stepped closer.
"These officers have jobs to do. We have active investigations, court appearances, and evidence that needs processing. You can't simply walk into a precinct and shut everything down."
I looked toward the corridor.
Several officers were continuing their normal duties.
The public service counter remained open.
Emergency calls were being answered.
No one had been ordered to stop legitimate police work.
"We've restricted only the areas and records necessary to preserve evidence," I answered.
Mercer's smile disappeared.
"You're taking an aggressive approach to something that may be a clerical misunderstanding."
I held his gaze.
"Then the records should help establish that."
For several seconds, he stared at me.
Then he lowered his voice.
"You understand what happens when investigators start treating an entire police station like a crime scene?"
I considered.
"Usually, the officers who maintained accurate records have very little to worry about."
His jaw tightened.
I continued.
"But the disappearance of a ledger immediately before an evidence audit is something we have to examine."
Mercer looked toward the property-room door.
For the first time, I noticed genuine concern beneath his carefully controlled expression.
He turned back.
"That ledger was archived months ago."
"Yes."
"It's old."
"Yes."
"It may have been moved."
"That's what we're determining."
He exhaled sharply.
Then smiled again.
"You seem determined to find a scandal, Investigator."
I shook my head.
"I'm determined to find the facts."
His eyes narrowed.
"And if those facts don't support your suspicions?"
"Then our report will say so."
For several moments, neither of us moved.
Finally, Mercer stepped backward.
"Keep me informed."
I nodded.
"Through the established investigative channels."
His smile tightened.
He turned toward Lieutenant Whitaker, who had been standing silently near the hallway.
"Lieutenant. A word."
Whitaker followed him toward the command office.
I watched them go.
Then reached for my phone.