Agent Sullivan stepped forward, his imposing presence filling the room. "Officer Hawkins, I'm Agent Sullivan with the governor's security detail. The woman you have in custody is conducting authorized government business. You need to release her immediately."
"And I'm the Easter Bunny," Gerald replied sarcastically, not even bothering to look at Agent Sullivan's credentials. "Listen, pal, I don't know what kind of con game you people are running, but I'm not falling for it. This woman is a criminal, and she's going to face the full consequences of the law."
The sirens outside reached a crescendo as Governor Pennington's convoy pulled up in front of the police station. Through the windows, officers could see black SUVs with government plates and enough security personnel to handle a presidential visit. The afternoon sun glinted off the vehicles' bulletproof glass as agents took positions around the building.
Detective Park grabbed Captain Langley's arm. "Sir, look outside. That's not a prank. Those are real federal vehicles."
Captain Langley's face went white as he realized the magnitude of the situation. "Gerald, I'm ordering you to stop processing this arrest immediately. We need to sort this out before it goes any further."
But Gerald Hawkins was beyond reason now, his pride and prejudice blinding him to the obvious signs of impending disaster. "No, Captain, I'm not backing down. I know what I saw, and I know who this woman really is. She's a criminal, and I'm not going to let some elaborate scheme change the facts."
Outside, Governor Arthur Pennington stepped out of his SUV, his dark suit immaculate despite the urgency of the situation. His security detail formed a protective formation around him as he strode toward the police station's entrance, his face a mask of controlled fury.
Agent Sullivan's radio crackled to life. "Agent Sullivan, the governor is entering the building. ETA to your location: thirty seconds."
"Copy that," Agent Sullivan replied, never taking his eyes off Gerald Hawkins. "Officer, this is your last chance to do the right thing. In thirty seconds, Governor Pennington is going to walk through that door, and when he does, your career is over unless you release that woman immediately."