Six sealed case files gone. Files that contained sensitive information about an active federal investigation. "This is impossible," he said, his voice tight with controlled anger.
Those documents were secured in this compartment when they impounded the vehicle. Brooks pulled out her phone to document the empty space. Behind them, the FBI technicians continued their work, but Marcus could feel their attention shifting to this new development.
Lieutenant Hollis appeared at the fence again, apparently having circled back when he heard the conversation. "Problem, Agent Vance?" Marcus turned to face him through the chain link. "Federal case materials are missing from this compartment."
Hollis's expression didn't change. "Missing how?" "They were secured in here yesterday morning.
Now they're gone." "That's interesting," Hollis said, his tone carefully neutral. "Because my officers never removed any documents from that vehicle."
Marcus felt his jaw clench. "Then where are they?" Hollis shrugged.
"Maybe you should ask yourself that question. When did you last verify those materials were actually in there?" The accusation hung in the air between them.
Brooks stepped forward, her voice sharp with warning. "Lieutenant, be very careful about what you're suggesting." "I'm not suggesting anything," Hollis replied.
"I'm asking a legitimate question. Agent Vance claims documents were in his vehicle. He can't prove they were there during our search.
Maybe he removed them himself and forgot. Maybe he never had them to begin with." Marcus moved toward the fence, his hands clenched at his sides.
"Are you accusing me of lying about federal evidence?" "I'm saying maybe you made a mistake," Hollis continued. "Maybe you're so angry about yesterday that you're looking for reasons to blame my officers for something that isn't their fault."
"Lieutenant," Brooks interrupted. But Hollis wasn't finished. "Think about it," he said, addressing Marcus directly.
You were carrying sensitive federal materials in an unsecured personal vehicle. That sounds like a security violation to me. Maybe this whole story about missing documents is just you trying to cover-up your own mistakes.
The words hit Marcus like physical blows. Every federal agent knew that mishandling sensitive materials could end a career instantly. The accusation was designed to flip the entire situation, making Marcus the one with something to hide.
Sergeant Mercer appeared beside Hollis, his arms crossed. "Makes sense to me. Guy acts all suspicious during a routine stop, then claims we stole something that probably wasn't there in the first place."
Marcus stepped closer to the fence, his voice deadly calm. "You're both lying." Mercer smiled.
"Prove it." Brooks grabbed Marcus's arm, pulling him back from the fence. "That's enough, Lieutenant.
Sergeant." This conversation is over. But the damage was done.