Mallory had received notice that he was being placed on administrative leave while the city addressed the immediate investigation and personnel requirements.
The leave wasn't a finding of guilt.
It was a temporary measure intended to protect the integrity of the process and address operational concerns.
But Derek knew how people would interpret it.
He entered the kitchen.
Caroline looked up.
“Is it true?”
He stopped.
“What?”
She turned her laptop toward him.
A news article showed a photograph of Marcus standing on the Price family's lawn.
The headline described an officer shoving the city's newly appointed Black police chief during a complaint involving his mother's property.
Derek sighed.
“It's being exaggerated.”
Caroline didn't smile.
She clicked the video.
The screen showed him pointing at Marcus.
Then shoving him backward.
Derek looked away.
For a moment, the only sound came from the recording.
Caroline stopped it.
Then asked quietly.
“Why did you do that?”
He pulled out a chair.
“It's not that simple.”
“Then explain it.”
He rubbed his forehead.
“I got a call about a suspicious person threatening a homeowner.”
She looked toward him.
“Was he threatening anybody?”
Derek hesitated.
“That's what the caller said.”
She stared.
“Did you see him threaten anybody?”
He looked away.
“Caroline, you don't understand how these contacts work.”
She took a breath.
“I understand what I saw.”
He leaned forward.
“You saw a short video.”
She nodded.
“Then tell me what happened before it.”
For several seconds, he remained silent.
Then he said.
“He questioned every instruction.”
Caroline frowned.
“Was he allowed to ask questions?”
Derek's jaw tightened.
“That's not the point.”
“Then what is?”
He stood abruptly.
“The point is, I'm probably going to lose my career because the guy turned out to be the police chief!”
Caroline stared.
For a moment, her expression changed.
She looked hurt.
Then she answered softly.
“Derek, listen to what you just said.”
He frowned.
“What?”
“You didn't say you were sorry for hurting someone.”
He looked away.
She continued.
“You said you're in trouble because he turned out to be important.”
For several seconds, the kitchen remained silent.
Then Derek spoke.
“I have to protect my family.”