"I can prepare an initial technical report, but we need the original device and a certified examination."
Marcus nodded.
"Then do it."
Natalie looked at him.
"There's something else."
"What?"
"Someone has accessed the computer remotely."
Marcus frowned.
"Which computer?"
"The isolated workstation."
"That's supposed to be disconnected."
"It is."
She turned the screen toward him.
A small warning appeared.
UNAUTHORIZED ACCESS ATTEMPT DETECTED.
Marcus stared at the message.
"Can someone access the USB drive through the network?"
"Not through this workstation under normal circumstances."
"Then what does this mean?"
Natalie closed the program.
"It means someone may already know where this evidence is."
Marcus looked toward the office door.
"How long have you been seeing this?"
"About thirty seconds."
"Can you identify the source?"
Natalie began typing.
A moment later, her expression changed.
"Marcus."
"What?"
"The access attempt originated from an address associated with a municipal network."
Marcus stood.
"Which department?"
Natalie turned the screen.
The identification appeared.
BROOKHAVEN POLICE ADMINISTRATION.
Marcus slowly exhaled.
The department was trying to access the evidence.
But why?
And how had they known it was there?
At 6:20 p.m., David called.
"Marcus, we have a problem."
"What happened?"
"James Parker isn't answering his phone."
Marcus immediately stood.
"Since when?"
"His wife called me ten minutes ago. She says he left the repair shop shortly after we did. He was supposed to meet her at home, but he never arrived."
"Did she contact the police?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"They told her to wait."
Marcus's expression hardened.
"Who took the report?"
"She doesn't know."
"Get her somewhere safe. Don't let her go back to the house alone."
"I've already arranged for someone to meet her."
Marcus grabbed his jacket.
"I'm going to the shop."
David hesitated.
"Marcus, don't go alone."
"I'm not planning to."
He ended the call.
Natalie looked up.
"What's happening?"
"Parker is missing."
She immediately closed her laptop.
"I'm coming."
Marcus shook his head.
"Stay here and secure the evidence. Make two verified copies and send one to the independent oversight office."
"What about you?"
"I'm going to find him."
The repair shop was nearly deserted when Marcus arrived.
The lights inside were still on.
A mechanic's tool cart stood beside an unfinished vehicle.
James Parker's personal car was parked near the back entrance.
But James himself was nowhere to be seen.
Marcus stepped inside.
"James?"
No answer.
He walked toward the small office.
The door was open.
Several papers were scattered across the desk.
A chair had fallen onto its side.
Marcus stopped.
Something was wrong.
He carefully examined the room.
On the floor beside the desk lay a broken picture frame.
It contained a photograph of Parker, his wife, and their young daughter.
Marcus picked it up.
The glass was shattered.
Then he noticed something near the cabinet.
A small piece of paper.
He unfolded it.
Three handwritten words appeared.
STOP ASKING QUESTIONS.
Marcus felt anger rising inside him.
He forced himself to remain calm.
He took photographs of the room and called David.
"Get someone here immediately. Parker's shop has been disturbed."
"Is he there?"
"No."
"Do you see any signs of a struggle?"
"Yes. The office has been searched."
David's voice became tense.
"Marcus, we need to involve the authorities."
"Not Brookhaven."
There was a pause.
"You're right. I'll contact the state investigators."
Marcus ended the call.
He looked at the photograph in his hand.
James had been afraid for his family.
And now someone had apparently decided to use that fear against him.
At 7:15 p.m., a state investigator named Elena Ramirez arrived at the repair shop.
She was in her early forties, with a direct manner and years of experience investigating public corruption.
Marcus explained everything.
She examined the office, photographed the note, and asked several questions.
"Did Parker tell you he had been threatened?"
"Yes."
"Did he identify anyone?"
"He believed Mitchell and Harrington were involved."
Elena looked at the papers.
"That's a serious allegation."
"We have a recording."
"Where is it?"
"Securely preserved."
"Can I see it?"
"Once we establish the proper chain of custody."
Elena nodded.
"Good. Don't circulate it."
She looked around the room.
"Did you notice anything missing?"
Marcus examined the desk.
"His computer is gone."
"Anything else?"
"The original evidence envelope he showed us is missing too."
Elena frowned.
"Was it the same envelope containing the recording?"
"No. That recording is already with us. The envelope contained copies of emails and handwritten notes."
Elena made a note.