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.
Noah arrived later under federal escort, after giving a formal statement about the first yard in the transfer. He saw Maya standing near the Harley and stopped several feet away. “I should have said something earlier.” Maya looked at him. “You did. Eventually.” “That does not erase the part before.” “No.” Noah waited. Maya continued. “You knew the stop was wrong before you knew who I was.” He lowered his eyes. “Yes.” “That is the part he will have to live with.” Noah nodded. Laura walked over, holding an evidence log. “The motorcycle is secured. The recordings are preserved. Ruth’s video is being authenticated. The contractor has agreed to maintain all business records.” Maya looked toward Boone and Mercer. “Anything else?” Laura glanced at the two men, who were now being interviewed separately. “They have both started blaming each other.” Maya said, “That was always going to happen.” Laura closed the evidence log. “This is not over.” “I know.” Outside, the first light of morning was beginning to appear over the industrial buildings. The immediate danger had ended. The case had not.