Arvand arrived at the annex shortly after four o’clock.
He carried a folder containing copies of publicly available court records and a letter from the legal team.
He believed he was meeting an authorized records supervisor.
Before leaving his office, he had informed attorney Nadine Harper of the appointment.
Nadine had been assisting the innocence organization with the reopened evidence review.
She was careful.
The case involved serious allegations against former and current law enforcement personnel.
She had instructed Arvand not to surrender original evidence to anyone without verification.
She also asked him to confirm when the meeting ended.
They agreed he would call by five o’clock.
If he didn’t, she would contact the department through official channels.
Arvand thought the precaution unnecessary.
But he agreed.
When he arrived at the annex, the reception counter was empty.
A handwritten sign directed visitors toward the rear administrative hallway.
He followed it.
Then heard a voice behind him.
“Arvand Burlington?”
He turned.
Officer Thomas Riker stood near the corridor entrance.
Arvand recognized him from the case records.
“Yes.”
“Come with me.”
“I’m supposed to meet a records supervisor.”
Riker smiled thinly.
“Plans changed.”
Arvand hesitated.
“I’d like to confirm that.”
The officer’s expression hardened.
“You can confirm it inside.”
He gestured toward the interrogation room.
Arvand looked at the heavy door.
Something felt wrong.
He reached for his phone.
Riker stepped closer.
“Put that away.”
Arvand stopped.
“Officer, I haven’t agreed to an interview.”
Riker grabbed his arm.
“You’re coming with me.”
The encounter escalated quickly.
Within minutes, Arvand was handcuffed to a chair in the old room.
His phone had been taken.
And Riker was putting on blue gloves.
Chapter 8: No Cameras, No Witnesses
“Tell me where the recording is.”
Riker stood beside the steel table.
Arvand looked up.
“What recording?”
“Don’t insult me.”
“I’m asking you to be specific.”
