"No, it cannot wait," Captain Langley replied firmly, his polished shoes clicking against the tile floor as he approached. "I've received multiple calls from city officials, and there are serious questions about the circumstances of this arrest."
Other officers throughout the station had stopped pretending to work and were now openly watching the confrontation unfold. The bright lighting made every expression, every gesture, clearly visible as the drama played out in the heart of their workplace.
Lydia Monroe continued to observe everything with calm intelligence, occasionally glancing at her watch. Her composure under such circumstances was remarkable, as if she possessed knowledge that everyone else lacked. When Captain Langley looked at her, she met his gaze directly with quiet dignity.
"Ma'am," Captain Langley said respectfully, "I'm Captain Langley. Are you injured? Have you been properly read your rights?"
Before Lydia could respond, Gerald stepped between them. "Captain, with all due respect, she's my prisoner and my responsibility. I don't need interference in my investigation."
"Your investigation?" Captain Langley's eyebrows rose. "Chief, I'm not interfering. I'm following up on multiple official inquiries about an arrest at a government property. The mansion where you arrested this woman is not privately owned."
A ripple of whispers spread through the station as officers processed this information. Michelle Park seized the moment to approach with her laptop open, the screen displaying property records that glowed under the fluorescent lights.
"Captain, that's what I've been trying to tell the chief," Michelle said, her voice gaining strength. "The Elmwood property is listed as a government-owned residential facility with restricted access classifications. It's not a private residence at all."
Gerald's face flushed crimson as he realized the conversation was spiraling beyond his control. "That's impossible. It's clearly a private mansion in an upscale neighborhood. I know that area like the back of my hand."