Price remained at the counter while the patrol officer confirmed that the preservation request had been accepted. She reviewed the information once more, then looked toward Brett.
"From this point forward, the record issue will be reviewed outside the immediate chain involved in the original case."
Brett kept his voice controlled. "You're escalating this based on incomplete information."
"I'm preserving incomplete information so it can be examined properly."
"You still have no evidence that I changed anything."
"I know."
"No evidence that I created the card."
"I know."
"No evidence that I knew who left it here."
Price nodded. "Correct."
Brett looked around the diner. "Then what exactly are you accusing me of?"
"Nothing tonight."
That answer appeared to bother him more than an accusation.
Price continued. "Your conduct here will be documented separately. The record history will be examined separately. Whoever reviews both will decide whether they connect."
Brett glanced at Maya. "She has a grievance."
"That will be documented."
"She had access."
"That, too."
"She concealed information from you."
"Yes."
"And you still believe her?"
Price closed her notebook. "This is not about belief."
Brett said nothing.
Price looked toward one of the patrol officers. "Officer Kellen will not participate in any further recovery or handling of material related to this matter tonight. Notify the watch commander that I'm requesting he be removed from active field duties until command reviews the incident."
Brett stepped forward. "You can't make that determination based on this diner."
"I'm not making the final determination. I'm making a supervisory request based on what occurred here."
"This will not hold up."
"Then the review will say so."
He stared at her, but there was nothing left to argue without repeating himself. For most of the evening, Brett had controlled the room by forcing everyone else to respond to his version of events; now, every statement, every record, and every action would be examined outside his control.
Price turned to Caleb. "I need to finish with you."
Caleb stood beside his booth. "Go ahead."
"You warned Brett before you touched him?"
"Yes."
"You waited until Maya had asked to be released?"
"Yes."
"You used only enough physical control to separate them?"
"Yes."
"You stopped immediately afterward?"
"Yes."
"Did you intend to interfere with the investigation involving the card?"
"No."
"Did you know anything about the card?"
"No."
"Did you know Maya's previous employment?"
"No."
Price looked toward Maya. "You understand that?"
Maya nodded.