Hayes studied him.
“Who ordered you to change the aircraft's status?”
Walker pressed his lips together.
“I can't say.”
“Can't?”
“Won't.”
Hayes closed the folder.
“All right.”
She stood.
Walker looked surprised.
“That's it?”
“For now.”
She walked toward the door.
“Lieutenant, prepare a formal statement from Staff Sergeant Turner. Make sure he has legal protection and a secure location.”
“Yes, ma'am.”
Hayes opened the door.
Behind her, Walker suddenly spoke.
“Colonel.”
She stopped.
“There's something you need to know.”
Hayes turned.
“What?”
Walker looked at the security camera.
Then at her.
“Aircraft 6021 wasn't carrying weapons.”
Hayes remained silent.
“It was carrying people.”
Mitchell's expression changed.
“People?”
Walker nodded.
“Three military contractors. Two of them were supposed to be transferred to another facility.”
“Which facility?”
“I don't know.”
“Who authorized the transfer?”
Walker hesitated.
Then he said:
“General Nathaniel Cross.”
Mitchell lowered his tablet.
The name was familiar.
General Cross was a highly respected Air Force commander who had served in several overseas operations and currently held a senior position at the regional command headquarters.
Hayes looked at Walker.
“Are you certain?”
“I saw his authorization.”
“Where?”
“On the transfer order.”
“Where is it now?”
Walker's eyes shifted toward the maintenance office.
“I don't know.”
Hayes returned to the table.
“You're going to tell me everything you remember.”
Walker shook his head.
“You don't understand. General Cross doesn't work alone.”
“Who works with him?”
Walker looked at the ceiling again.