the schematics for the summit venue on the central table. Davis and Chen stood on one side, Mark on my other. Sarah took a seat at the head of

e hotel. We'll have a two-car convoy. Davis, you're driving lead. Chen, you're with me in the

a secure briefing for authorized federal agents only. Sir, you'll

led. The air in the roo

hing with anger. She felt her authority, the author

reaking eye contact. "He doesn't ha

t back, her voice rising. "Are you q

the role of a subordinate in front of my own men. Alex watched the exchang

ederal protocol

a raw, uncontrolled force. She turned her glare from me to the two junior agents,

al to my role in this operation. If either of you," she pointed a finger at Davis and then at Chen, "has a problem with that, I suggest you keep

eir faces hardening. They were good agents, loyal and by-the-book. They looked to me, their

t. They understood. They remained silent, their frustration simmering just be

riumphant smirk played on her lips. She h

expression unchanged. "Fine. As I was sayi

ymore. She was now actively compromising a federal operation, threatening my agents, and dismantling the very principles we were sworn to uphold, al