In Death 15 - Purity in Death

later. "Had a few things on my mind today."
    "Have a seat."
    "I'm not required to sit."
    "Okay, fine." He turned on his recorder. "Webster, Lieutenant, Donald, attached Internal Affairs Bureau in interview with Dallas, Lieutenant Eve, Homicide, Cop Central, regarding the matter of Dukes, Donald, Sylvia, and minor son Devin, deceased. Lieutenant Dallas, do you wish to engage your departmental representative, or any outside legal representation for this interview?"
    "No."
    "Did you, in your official capacity, visit the home of Donald and Sylvia Dukes" - he read off the address - "at approximately nine a.m. this morning?"
    "Yes."
    "Did you, at that time, question the aforementioned individuals regarding incidents that involved their deceased minor son, Devin Dukes?"
    "Yes."
    He lifted his eyebrows, but whether it was in annoyance or approval of her monosyllabic answers, she didn't know. Or care.
    "Were you aware that the data regarding certain incidents pertaining to the minor on which you questioned the Dukes is in sealed files?"
    She didn't bat an eyelash. "I was informed of this by Mr. Dukes at his residence this morning."
    "You were not aware previously that this data was protected by seal?"
    "I deduced it was."
    "How did you come by that deduction?"
    "As I could find no open files with the aforesaid data in my search for information in the course of my investigation."
    Webster's gaze stayed level with hers. "How did you obtain information on Devin Dukes?"
    "Through an outside source."
    "From what source did you obtain this protected information?"
    "I'm not required to name a source utilized during an investigation, most specifically a priority investigation. This information is protected under Departmental Code Twelve, Article Eighty-Six B."
    The monotone of his voice never changed. "You refuse to name your source?"
    "Yes. Doing so would compromise the source and my investigation."
    "Lieutenant Dallas, did you employ departmental equipment and/or sources to access sealed records?"
    "I did not."
    "Did you, Lieutenant Dallas, break the seal to Devin Dukes's files?"
    "I did not."
    "Did you order any member of the NYPSD to do so?"
    "No."
    "Did you coerce, bribe, threaten, or order any other individual to break the court's seal on these files?"
    "No."
    "Will you, should it be deemed necessary, submit to Truth Testing on this matter?"
    "I will not voluntarily submit to Testing, but will do so if ordered by my superiors."
    "Thank you for your cooperation, Lieutenant. Interview end. Record off. Good."
    "Is that it?"
    "For now. Can I have a hit of your coffee?"
    She merely jerked a thumb at the AutoChef.
    He walked over, programmed a cup. "If this goes to court, the truth angle would be smart. Would you pass it?"
    "The interview's over, Webster. I've got work."
    "Look, I snagged this interview duty because I'm trying to give you a hand. IAB doesn't follow through officially on something like this, it smells like coverup. Neither of us needs that."
    Some of the anger she'd held in check during the questioning leaked through. "There's a coverup, Webster, but it has to do with Purity hiding files under official seals, doing the legal tango to keep them sealed as long as possible to try to stall or impair this investigation. I got around them, and they don't like it."
    "You sniffing at any cops?" When she said nothing, merely sat and turned toward her computer, he kicked her desk. It was a gesture she understood, and had some respect for. "Is it so hard to believe I'm on your side in this?"
    "No. But I don't toss cops to IAB. At least not until I'm sure. If I find any who're part of this, I'll carry them to you on my back. But not until I know, without a shadow, they're dirty."
    He sipped coffee. She could literally see him using it to calm himself down, smooth out the edges. "If you've got names, I could look into it unofficially."
    She studied his profile. He would, she decided. "I believe you, and I appreciate it. But I've got some angles to work first. If I hit a wall and think you can help, I'll tag you. Are you done with Trueheart?"
    "Yeah, he's cleared for duty. Kid didn't deserve to take this spin through the wringer."
    "As long as he came out the other side. I've got work, Webster."
    He started for the door. "If there are cops in this, I want them."
    "Get in line," she answered, then made her first call.
    While she waited for a response, she drafted out her report, referring back to her own record to be sure she didn't