Laura held up the federal authorization. "This location is being secured as part of an active federal investigation."
Boone moved toward her. "You cannot just walk into private property."
Laura handed the document to another agent, who gave Boone a copy. "You can read that while we work."
Mercer remained near the Harley. Laura looked at him. "Step away from the motorcycle."
He did.
The towing contractor kept the folder against his chest. An agent approached him carefully. "Sir, do those records relate to vehicles stored here?"
The contractor looked at Boone, then Mercer. "Yes."
"Do not alter or destroy them."
"I wasn't planning to."
Boone said, "He does not know what he is talking about."
The contractor turned toward him. "I know exactly what I signed."
Laura moved toward the office. Maya was sitting beside the desk with one wrist still secured. Laura stopped when she saw her. "You all right?"
"I'm fine."
Laura signaled to an agent, who began documenting the restraint before removing it. Maya stood once her wrist was free.
Laura looked toward the Harley. "We have the location history. Preserve the motorcycle first."
"We will."
"The saddlebag was forced open. The engine case was struck twice. The headlight and tank were damaged at the roadside."
Laura nodded. "Ruth Walker's video confirms that."
Maya looked at her. "Ruth kept the original?"
"Yes."
For the first time that night, Maya appeared relieved.
Laura continued, "Noah Alvarez contacted us, too."
Maya gave a small nod. Then she looked toward Mercer and Boone.
Mercer was already speaking to one of the agents: "Boone ran the disposal process."
Boone heard him. "He is lying! Mercer made the roadside decisions!"
Mercer turned. "You gave the instructions!"
"You acted on your own!"
The contractor interrupted. "I have records for both of them."
Boone looked at him. "You need a lawyer before you say another word."
The contractor answered, "So do you."
Laura watched the exchange, but did not try to settle it. Another agent began photographing the warehouse: each vehicle was documented where it stood; inventory tags were photographed; storage records were collected; computers were left untouched until the forensic team could preserve them properly.
No one rushed. No one celebrated. The warehouse was no longer a place where Boone controlled the paperwork; it was a scene that had to be preserved exactly as it existed.