Then back at Reed.
Daniel could see uncertainty in her eyes.
She knew something wasn't right.
Finally, she printed a form.
"Name?"
"Daniel Carter."
She typed.
Then stopped.
Her eyes widened.
Daniel noticed.
She looked at him again.
"Date of birth?"
He provided it.
She entered it.
Then suddenly pushed her chair back.
"Wait."
Reed frowned.
"What?"
She stood.
"I need to make a call."
Reed grabbed her arm.
"No."
The woman froze.
Daniel watched.
The officer slowly released her.
"Just finish the paperwork."
She nodded.
But her expression had changed.
Daniel knew that expression.
Recognition.
Fear.
And confusion.
She had discovered something.
Something that Reed didn't want her to know.
She walked away.
Reed turned toward Daniel.
"You should have identified yourself earlier."
Daniel stared at him.
"I did."
"No. You told me you worked for the department."
"I do."
Reed crossed his arms.
"Where?"
Daniel looked at him.
"You'll find out."
Reed smiled.
It wasn't a friendly smile.
"Maybe."
Then the station doors opened.
Everyone looked toward the entrance.
A man walked inside.
He wore a dark suit.
Behind him were two people.
And Daniel immediately recognized him.
The station suddenly became very quiet.
The man walking through the station was Chief Thomas Whitaker.
Daniel's superior.
The police chief.
The highest-ranking officer in the department.
Whitaker's expression was serious.
He looked at the officers.
Then at Daniel.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Finally:
"Why is Deputy Commissioner Carter in handcuffs?"
Nobody answered.
Officer Reed looked pale.
The woman at the desk lowered her eyes.
Whitaker repeated himself.
"Why?"
Reed stepped forward.
"We believed he was operating a stolen vehicle."
Whitaker stared at him.
"His vehicle?"