The driver's door that had been sealed shut now gaped open. A yellow tamper seal that should have been intact across the door frame had been cut and hung loosely from one corner. "This vehicle was under federal evidence preservation. " Marissa said, approaching the Ferrari but careful not to touch anything. "Any examination requires neutral oversight and proper documentation. " "Don't lecture me about procedure, lady. " Roark snapped. "You think your judge title gives you the right to interfere with police business?
You're not in your courtroom now. " Marissa reached into her folder and withdrew the inspection order, holding it up so both officers could see the official seal and signature. "This authorization comes from federal judge Patricia Martinez, not from me. I recused myself from any decisions involving this case to ensure complete impartiality. Roark grabbed the paper and studied it closely, his face reddening as he read. This is harassment.
You're using your connections to manipulate the system. I'm using the legal process available to any citizen whose property has been improperly seized, Marissa replied evenly. Judge Martinez reviewed the evidence independently and determined that neutral inspection was warranted. Grant continued photographing, capturing close-up images of the disturbed seal, the open door, and Roark's position near the camera mount. Officer Roark, explain why you're attempting to access the vehicle's security system without proper authorization.
I wasn't accessing anything. I was just looking. With a screwdriver? Standard equipment inspection. Grant compared his new photographs with the originals on his phone screen.
The mileage reading has changed by 43 miles since impound. The driver's seat position is different. Items in the glove compartment appear to have been moved. A heavy-set man in a supervisor's uniform approached from the facility office. What's going on here?
I'm manager Davidson. Nobody told me about any unauthorized vehicle access. Grant showed him the federal credentials and court order. We found officers Roark and Mercer conducting an undocumented examination of evidence under federal preservation. The tamper seals have been broken.
Davidson examined the disturbed seal and pulled out a clipboard. Officers, I need to see your authorization paperwork for this examination. Department policy requires supervisor approval and witness documentation for any evidence vehicle access. Roark's jaw tightened. We don't need special permission to examine seized evidence.
You do in my facility, Davidson replied firmly. Especially when federal preservation orders are in place. He began writing in his log. Officer Roark, Officer Mercer, you're both being entered into the breach documentation. Any future access to this vehicle requires neutral witness oversight and advanced notification.
Mercer's face had grown pale as he watched Davidson record their names. Sir, I was just observing. I didn't touch anything. Your presence during unauthorized access makes you complicit, Davidson explained continuing to write. This goes into the permanent facility record and gets copied to the district attorney's office.