The name was already familiar.

Major Russell Dempsey had appeared in the questionable towing authorizations Camille was investigating.

Now a deputy was suggesting that sensitive witness information had been targeted for delivery to him.

The case had suddenly changed.

Chapter 12: The Major Who Thought the Records Were Safe

Russell Dempsey had served the county for more than twenty years.

He was respected by some colleagues for his administrative knowledge and ability to manage complicated operations.

He controlled vehicle enforcement procedures, towing referrals, and several departmental contracts.

He also had longstanding relationships with county officials.

But investigators had begun noticing patterns in the records associated with his office.

Certain towing requests repeatedly favored the same contractors.

Several approvals lacked complete supporting documentation.

And financial records suggested that some services had been billed without adequate proof they occurred.

Dempsey denied wrongdoing.

He claimed the discrepancies resulted from emergency conditions and clerical errors.

But Lena Ortiz’s team had been collecting evidence for months.

They had already examined invoices, payment records, and internal communications.

Now the garage incident raised a new question.

Had Dempsey used deputies under his command to obtain witness information?

Investigators requested relevant communications and duty records through the appropriate legal process.

The results showed contact between Dempsey and Voss shortly before Camille entered the garage.

One message was especially concerning.

It referred to a prosecutor carrying a “blue file.”

Camille’s witness folder was blue.

Another communication referenced a scheduled meeting involving outside investigators.

The timing was difficult to dismiss.

The inquiry expanded.

And the major who had spent years controlling paperwork was about to discover how difficult it could be to explain records he had never expected anyone to examine together.

Chapter 13: The Witness Who Almost Disappeared

Evelyn Parker was terrified when she learned that her witness statement had been targeted.

She had already worried about retaliation.

Now someone appeared to be trying to identify the people cooperating with investigators.

Lena contacted Evelyn through her attorney.

They reviewed appropriate safety measures and steps to preserve her confidentiality.

Evelyn considered withdrawing.

She told Camille during a later meeting that she couldn’t keep putting her family at risk.

Camille listened quietly.

“I understand.”

Evelyn looked surprised.

“You’re not going to tell me I have to keep helping?”

“No.”

Camille shook her head.

“You need to make decisions with your attorney and understand the risks.”

Evelyn looked down.

“I just wanted to do the right thing.”

Camille nodded.

“You did.”

Evelyn’s eyes filled with tears.

“I thought if I showed someone the invoices, they’d fix it.”

Camille leaned forward.

“Sometimes uncovering a problem takes longer than any of us want.”

She paused.