Hayes remained composed.
“I know exactly what I'm looking at.”
Walker spread his arms dramatically, turning toward the other personnel as though inviting them to laugh with him.
“Everybody, listen to this. We've got another headquarters officer who thinks she can show up here, look important, and tell people who've actually worked in this place how to do their jobs.”
Nobody laughed.
That made Walker even angrier.
He turned back toward Hayes.
“Let me make something clear. This hangar operates under my supervision. We have aircraft scheduled for deployment, maintenance teams working around the clock, and personnel who don't have time to entertain visitors.”
Hayes looked directly into his eyes.
“Then you should have no problem answering a few questions.”
“What questions?”
“Questions about the maintenance records for aircraft 6021.”
Walker's expression changed.
Only slightly.
But Hayes noticed.
“Aircraft 6021?” he repeated.
“Correct.”
“That aircraft isn't your concern.”
“Why not?”
“Because I said so.”
Hayes tilted her head.
“That's an interesting answer.”
Walker stepped closer, lowering his voice.
“Listen, Colonel—or whatever you are—I don't know who sent you here, but you're interfering with an active military operation. You need to leave.”
Hayes's eyes hardened.
“Sergeant Walker, I am going to give you one opportunity to correct your behavior.”
He stared at her.
“Or what?”
“Or you'll explain it to someone who has considerably less patience than I do.”
Walker's jaw tightened.
He looked toward the two officers standing nearby.