"In the booking area, finishing the paperwork," Captain Langley replied, his voice shaking. "But he's been dismissing all attempts at verification, including calls from the governor's office."
Agent Sullivan's jaw tightened. "The governor is en route with full security detail. I suggest you get control of your officer before this situation gets worse."
In the booking area, Gerald Hawkins was putting the finishing touches on his arrest report, completely unaware that his career was about to implode. He glanced at Lydia Monroe one more time, savoring what he believed was his moment of triumph.
"You know what I think happened here?" Gerald said, leaning against his desk. "I think you were casing that mansion for your criminal friends, probably planning to rob the place when the owners were away. Lucky for the neighborhood, I was there to stop you."
Lydia Monroe finally spoke, her voice calm and steady. "Officer Hawkins, you have the right to remain silent. I suggest you exercise it."
Gerald laughed harshly. "That's rich coming from someone in handcuffs! You're the one who should be worried about staying quiet. Everything you say can and will be used against you in court."
The sound of sirens began to fill the air outside the station, growing louder by the second. Other officers in the building started moving toward the windows, trying to see what was causing the commotion. The fluorescent lights seemed to flicker with the tension building throughout the building.
Captain Langley burst into the booking area, followed by Agent Sullivan and Detective Park. "Gerald, stop what you're doing immediately! We have a federal agent here who needs to speak with you about your arrest."
Gerald looked up from his paperwork with annoyance. "Captain, I told you I don't have time for games. I'm processing a legitimate arrest, and I'm not going to be distracted by whatever nonsense this is."