"Who approved the final payment?" she asked.
Lena opened the supporting documents. "City finance processed it after the department submitted the completion package."
"Who signed the departmental acceptance?"
"Chief Mercer."
Mercer stepped closer. "I signed based on the technical completion documents provided to my office."
Maya nodded. "Who provided them?"
"Sloan Integrated Systems."
"Did anyone from the department independently verify the equipment?"
"Our IT staff worked with the contractor."
Lena looked at him. "I wasn't asked to verify the final installation."
Mercer turned toward her. "You weren't the project manager."
"No, but I was responsible for the evidence system they said they upgraded."
Rebecca, standing near the second workstation, interrupted: "That still doesn't mean the Chief knew the equipment was sitting in storage."
Maya replied, "No one has said he did."
Rebecca appeared frustrated. "Then what exactly are you suggesting?"
"I'm not suggesting. I'm establishing who certified what."
Maya asked the technician to create a list of every device found in storage that was simultaneously recorded as active. The list grew steadily. By the time the technician stopped, it contained dozens of serial numbers.
Maya looked at Mercer. "These aren't paperwork errors affecting one shipment."
Mercer studied the screen. "Then I want Calvin Sloan contacted."
"No."
"He was the contractor. He can explain the installation."
"He can explain it after we preserve his records."
Mercer's expression tightened. "You intend to investigate the vendor without giving him an opportunity to respond?"
"I intend to prevent anyone connected to this contract from changing records before we know what exists."
Rebecca said, "You're talking about my brother."
"I'm talking about the contractor."
Maya asked Lena for the project work orders. Several listed overnight installation periods inside restricted areas of the department. Each work order showed the task as completed. Rebecca's name appeared on the security approvals.