"The address where she was arrested, sir: it's not listed as a private residence. According to state records, it's classified as government property. And the woman, Lydia Monroe—her background check is coming back with federal security clearances that require authorization I don't have."
Captain Langley felt a cold dread settling in his chest. "Where's Gerald now?"
"Still in booking, sir. He's refusing to listen to anyone. When I tried to suggest we verify her identity through federal channels, he threatened to write me up for insubordination."
The captain's phone rang, its shrill tone cutting through the tension. He grabbed it on the first ring. "Captain Langley speaking."
"Captain, this is Governor Pennington's office. We need the immediate release of Lydia Monroe. She's conducting official state business and should not have been detained."
Before Captain Langley could respond, Gerald Hawkins appeared in the doorway, his long-sleeved uniform stretched tight across his chest, sweat stains visible under the harsh fluorescent lighting.
"Who's that on the phone, Captain?" Gerald demanded, snatching the receiver from his superior's hand. "Listen here, whoever this is, your little prank isn't funny. We've got a real criminal in custody, and no amount of fake calls is going to change that."
"Gerald, wait!" Captain Langley protested, but Gerald had already slammed the phone down.
"Some idiot claiming to be from the governor's office," Gerald scoffed, wiping perspiration from his forehead. "These criminals and their friends will try anything. But I've been doing this job for fifteen years, and I know trouble when I see it."