“What is that?” Mercer muttered, though he did not lower his weapon. “Some kind of security pass?”

“Call it in,” I repeated.

“Or you can explain to the Department of Defense why you interfered with an active federal asset.”

The rain continued to fall, the heavy drops drumming against the hood of Mercer’s patrol car in the distance.

From my pocket, the Senator’s phone vibrated once more, the screen lighting up the wet fabric of my coat.

Mercer stared at the silver seal, his mouth opening slightly as he recognized the high-level security watermark.

He reached slowly for the radio clipped to his shoulder.

The radio crackled with static before he could even press the button.

“Sheriff,” a voice called over the static, sounding urgent and thin.

“We have a situation at the front gate.”

The radio static cut through the cold air again.

“Mercer,” Colonel Ward’s voice came through, metallic and flat. “Confirm you have stood down.”

Mercer looked at his deputy, then back at me.

“Confirmed, Colonel,” Mercer said into his lapel. “We are standing down.”

“Keep your channel open,” Ward commanded.