Her questions had been justified.
The invoices had been false.
And the men who told her to stop investigating had known there was something to hide.
The search also uncovered records linking Westbrook to the county's towing system.
Those documents showed an unusual concentration of referrals from a handful of deputies.
Garrett Gity's name appeared repeatedly.
So did the names of several supervisors.
Investigators found payment records, internal correspondence, and accounting entries suggesting that some towing charges had been inflated or generated without legitimate justification.
The records were not proof that every tow had been unlawful.
Many were ordinary recoveries involving disabled vehicles and legitimate police actions.
But the suspicious pattern was too consistent to dismiss.
And it became more troubling when investigators examined the company's connections to Sheriff Warren Pike.
The sheriff had spent twelve years cultivating an image as a tough, dependable public servant.
He appeared regularly at county events.
He sponsored youth sports programs.
He gave speeches about crime prevention and public accountability.
His campaign signs promised integrity, service, and protection.
And he had repeatedly defended Westbrook Recovery as a reliable local business that helped keep dangerous vehicles off the roads.
Now investigators were examining whether his office had directed profitable business toward his brother in exchange for financial benefits.
Warren denied everything.
He appeared before reporters in a carefully pressed uniform, flanked by his attorney and two senior deputies.
"The sheriff's department has always operated in accordance with the law," he announced. "These allegations are politically motivated and appear to rely on the statements of individuals who misunderstand routine law-enforcement procedures."
A reporter asked about my traffic stop.
Warren's expression tightened.
"That matter is under investigation."
"Did you authorize Deputy Gity to stop Renata Cole?"
"I don't discuss confidential operational matters."
"Did you receive information about her vehicle before the stop?"
"My office receives numerous public-safety reports every day."
"Did you direct Westbrook Recovery to collect her Rolls-Royce?"
Warren looked toward his attorney.
Then back at the cameras.
"I'm not going to dignify speculation."
I watched the press conference from my father's living room.
My wrists had healed enough that I could use them normally most of the time, although occasional numbness remained. My shoulder was improving, and I had begun attending appointments to address the anxiety and sleep difficulties that followed the incident.
My father sat beside me.
For several minutes, we listened without speaking.
Then he looked toward the screen.
"That man knows something."
I nodded.
"I think so."
He studied me.
"You sound careful."
"I have to be."
My father leaned back.
"Even now?"
"Especially now."
He considered that.
Then nodded.
"I suppose that's why you're good at your job."
I looked toward the television.