My heart dropped into my stomach.

“Suspended? On what grounds, sir?”

Major Vance opened the folder and pulled out a sheet of paper.

“We received an anonymous tip on the secure hotline two hours ago.”

“It contains documents accusing you of espionage and selling classified military secrets.”

He looked at the MPs, then back at me.

“We need you to come with us to the investigative office immediately.”

The MPs stepped forward, their hands resting near their holsters.

My phone in my pocket began to vibrate.

I reached for my pocket, but the MP on my left moved his hand closer to his sidearm.

“Keep your hands where I can see them, Captain,” Major Vance said.

The phone continued to buzz against my thigh, a persistent, physical reminder of the world outside this hallway.

I let my arm fall back to my side.

“Understood, sir,” I said, keeping my voice level.

The corridor felt suddenly cold, the fluorescent lights overhead humming with a low, irritating vibration.

“Walk,” the other MP said, gesturing down the hallway toward the secure elevator.

I marched between them, my boots clicking against the polished linoleum.