“Good.”

The distinction mattered.

The deputies had apparently believed the briefcase contained the only copies of sensitive evidence.

But the original records had already been preserved.

Camille’s office maintained an evidence-management system with documented access controls.

The GBI had also received certain records through authorized procedures.

Destroying the papers in the garage would not erase the investigation.

But it could reveal what someone was trying to find.

Lena examined the recovered documents.

Then noticed something unusual.

One witness statement had been moved away from the others.

It was the document identifying a confidential source who worked inside the county purchasing office.

Camille had not told the deputies that information.

Yet Voss appeared to have searched specifically for that section.

Lena looked toward him.

“Deputy Voss, who told you Ms. Brooks would be carrying witness statements?”

He stared.

Nobody answered.

And that silence became another important part of the investigation.

Chapter 11: The Officer Who Wanted a Name

The three deputies were separated for interviews.

Voss maintained that he had been conducting a legitimate security check.

Mercer said he was following his supervisor’s instructions.

Luke Brenner initially gave short answers.

He seemed frightened.

But when investigators asked about the briefcase, his expression changed.

“Deputy Brenner, did Sergeant Voss tell you what he was looking for?”

Luke hesitated.

“He mentioned a folder.”

“What folder?”

Luke looked down.

“A witness statement.”

The investigator waited.

Luke continued.

“He said there was somebody talking to the prosecutors.”

“Did he identify that person?”

“No.”

“What did he tell you to do?”

Luke swallowed.

“He said we needed to get the statement before it was transferred.”

The room became quiet.

The investigator asked another question.

“Why?”

Luke shook his head.

“He didn’t explain.”

Then he said something more disturbing.

“Mercer told me the information was supposed to go upstairs.”

“Upstairs where?”

Luke hesitated.

“Major Dempsey’s office.”

The investigator made a note.