Now she faced a situation nobody had anticipated when the council selected its new chief.
“Marcus,” she said, “how are you feeling?”
He sat beside the kitchen window.
His shoulder had become stiff overnight.
He could still see the faint red marks where Mallory grabbed his arm.
“Better than yesterday.”
Helen sighed.
“I saw the footage.”
Marcus remained quiet.
She continued.
“I'm sorry this happened.”
“Thank you.”
For a moment, the city manager hesitated.
Then she spoke more formally.
“We need to discuss how your appointment affects the investigation.”
Marcus nodded.
“I agree.”
“An outside agency has accepted responsibility for the use-of-force investigation. The city attorney recommends that you have no supervisory involvement in the incident review or related decisions concerning Mallory.”
“That's appropriate.”
Helen sounded relieved.
She continued.
“Captain Reed will coordinate routine departmental matters until the necessary conflict-management arrangements are finalized.”
Marcus nodded.
“And my role?”
“You remain the police chief. The incident doesn't suspend your appointment. But you should not use your office to direct the investigation into the officer who assaulted you.”
Marcus looked toward the garden.
For several seconds, he remained silent.
Then answered.
“Understood.”
Helen took a breath.
“There's something else.”
He waited.
“The city is receiving calls from people who say you should immediately fire Mallory.”
Marcus closed his eyes.
“I expected that.”
“Others claim the officer is being persecuted because he embarrassed the new chief.”
Marcus gave a tired laugh.
“I expected that too.”
Helen continued.
“We need a process that can withstand scrutiny from both sides.”
He nodded.
“I agree.”
Then he looked toward the folder of property letters.
“Helen, there's a possible connection between the complaint and a private redevelopment company.”
The city manager became quiet.
“Explain.”
Marcus described Alan Pierce.
The repeated offers.
The unofficial notices.
And the fact that the neighbor appeared to know the officer before the confrontation.
Helen listened carefully.
Then asked.
“Has anyone verified the relationship?”
“Not yet.”
“Then the investigators need the information, but we should avoid reaching conclusions.”
Marcus nodded.
“Exactly.”
He paused.
“I'm concerned the redevelopment company may have been using neighborhood complaints to pressure homeowners.”
Helen considered.