He was testing my resolve, trying to see if I would fire on my superior officer.

“Natalie, please,” Madison whispered from behind me.

She grabbed the hem of my tactical jacket.

Her hand was shaking violently against my back.

“I’m scared,” she whimpered.

“I’ve got you,” I said softly, keeping my eyes fixed on Hayes. “Just stay down.”

The room felt incredibly small and hot.

The smell of wet wool, rain, and old paper was suffocating.

The yellow light from the desk lamp cast long, distorted shadows on the wall.

My father took a small step to the left, trying to draw my attention.

I did not bite.

I kept the barrel of the gun centered on the gap between them.

“The gate camera recorded your vehicle,” I said to Hayes.

“The backup drive in the basement is still recording.”

“Even if you destroy this computer, the footage is secure.”

Hayes let out a short, dry laugh that made my blood run cold.

“The security system was installed by your father’s security firm, Captain,” Hayes said.

“Who do you think has the master override codes?”