Across the office, Colonel Alvarez, my new deputy, watched me with quiet concern. I had known him for less than an hour, but he had the restraint of a man who understood that rank did not protect anyone from personal ruin.
“Where is he now?” I asked.
“Holding area near the security office, ma’am. CID has been notified.”
I nodded once. “Do not release him. Do not allow him to make calls from any government phone. And make sure every item on him is inventoried in the presence of two witnesses.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
The officer left, and for a moment the office became very still.
Outside the window, morning light stretched across the parade field. Soldiers moved in clean lines, boots striking pavement, voices carrying in disciplined bursts. Everything beyond the glass was order. Everything on my desk was rot.
Colonel Alvarez stepped closer but did not crowd me. “Ma’am, do you need a few minutes?”
