He walked with purpose, his boots crunching heavily in the deep snow, his eyes locked onto Captain Vance.

“What is the meaning of this?” Vance demanded, his voice shaking slightly as he tried to maintain his posture. “This is an active military investigation. You are interfering with my scene.”

Reyes stopped just feet from Vance, ignoring the captain’s hand which still hovered near his holster.

“This isn’t your scene anymore, Captain,” Reyes said, his voice calm and level.

He reached inside his coat and pulled out a document sealed in a clear plastic sleeve.

“This is a federal warrant signed by a district judge, and a co-signed order from your commanding officer at the base,” Reyes said, handing the paper to Major Hayes.

Major Hayes quickly scanned the document and looked up at Vance.

“It’s legitimate, Captain,” she said. “You have been relieved of your authority on this matter, effective immediately.”

Vance’s face turned a deep, angry red. “You can’t do this. I have jurisdiction over the personnel involved.”

“Not when those personnel are involved in multi-million dollar bank fraud and identity theft against a returned service member,” Reyes said.