He stood up and closed the folder with a sharp snap.

“For now, your clearance is suspended.”

“You are placed on administrative leave, effective immediately.”

“You are restricted to the local area.”

“Surrender your military ID, your building pass, and your government phone.”

I slowly took my phone and badges out of my pockets and placed them on the metal table.

My fingers brushed the plastic of my ID card.

My face stared back at me from the photo, confident and smiling.

That woman felt like a stranger now.

“An escort will take you to your vehicle,” Vance said.

“Do not return to this base unless summoned by the investigative team.”

He nodded to the MPs.

I stood up, my legs feeling like lead.

The walk back through the headquarters lobby was a blur of gray walls and staring eyes.

The MPs escorted me all the way to my SUV in the gravel parking lot.

The morning sun was bright, blinding me after the dark basement.

“Have a safe drive, Captain,” one of the MPs said, his tone neutral.

I got into the driver’s seat and locked the doors.