Chapter 6 - THE INFORMANT WHO DID NOT EXIST
Internal Affairs reviewed every case in which the source initials E.B. appeared.
The pattern was worse than I knew.
Mark had created eleven source entries over three years. Each one included vague language that made verification difficult:
Source expressed fear of formal identification.
Source requested all future contact through Detective Bennett.
Source has family connection to subject and may be emotionally vulnerable.
He had written safeguards around a person who did not exist.
The invented reports justified thirty-two database searches, four vehicle inquiries, and several informal contacts.
One search targeted a city building inspector who had cited Charles for illegal electrical work at a rental property.
Another targeted a man who filed a complaint after Mark threatened him during a parking dispute.
The fake source claimed both men might be connected to stolen materials.
No charges followed.
But the searches gave Mark addresses, vehicle details, employment information, and the ability to make people feel watched.
His promotion was partly based on initiative demonstrated in two investigations that began with E.B. tips.
My nonexistent cooperation had helped build his career.
During his interview, Mark said I had verbally agreed to act as a source but later withdrew because of family resentment.
Reed asked for a recording, text, signed acknowledgment, or independent witness.
Mark had none.
He said confidential sources often left little documentation.
Then investigators found a draft source-contact form on his home computer.
My name appeared at the top.
The signature was unfinished.
May you like
The creation date was the night before the promotion party.
Mark had planned to manufacture the missing authorization after receiving his shield.
