Chapter 3 - The Interrogation Room
By 1400 hours, the drama had escalated from civil eviction to full-scale public humiliation.
I was reviewing satellite intelligence feeds for an upcoming cyber-defense operation when my executive officer, Major David Vance (no relation to my attorney), knocked sharply on my office door and stepped inside.
"Colonel, you have visitors at the gate," David said, a slight twitch of amusement at the corner of his mouth. "Military Police just detained two civilians who tried to force their way onto the base claiming you’re holding their son and husband hostage, and demanding an audience with your commanding general."
I didn't even look up from my tablet. "Let me guess. An elderly woman in a floral cardigan and a pathetic-looking man in a stained hoodie?"
"Spot on, ma'am. They’re causing a massive scene at the visitor control center. Security forces are ready to throw them in holding, but they kept screaming your name."
"Bring them in," I said softly.
"Ma'am?" David blinked, surprised. "Are you sure? This is a restricted military installation. Bringing disgruntled civilians into a secure intelligence command—"
"I am entirely sure, Major," I interrupted, raising my eyes to meet his. "They want to play hardball? Let’s show them what real jurisdiction looks like. Escort them straight to Interrogation Room B. No phones, no recording devices. And make sure two armed MPs flank the door."
Ten minutes later, I walked down the sterile, fluorescent-lit corridor of the base’s holding facility. Through the one-way glass of Interrogation Room B, I saw them.
Ryan looked pathetic. His hair was uncombed, his eyes bloodshot, and he was pacing frantically around the steel table. Linda was sitting rigidly in her chair, arms crossed, her face flushed with absolute fury, muttering venomous curses under her breath about disrespecting elders.
I straightened my tunic, adjusted my silver eagles, smoothed down my bald head with a firm palm, and pushed the door open. The heavy steel door slammed shut behind me with a resounding clack.
Ryan stopped pacing instantly. Linda snapped her head up.
"Valerie!" Ryan cried out, rushing forward like a kicked puppy. "Thank God! What is wrong with you? Your mother and I were locked out of the house! Our cards are frozen! The police wouldn't even let us back inside to get our clothes! Have you completely lost your mind?!"
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I didn't flinch. I walked slowly to the head of the steel table, pulled out the heavy chair, and sat down with agonizing deliberation. I rested my elbows on the table, locked my eyes onto Ryan, and said nothing.
The silence stretched, heavy and suffocating, until Ryan’s frantic expression faltered under the weight of my stare.
