“Actually, Sergeant, she is.”
Everyone turned.
A young officer in a dark blue Air Force uniform was walking toward them.
His nameplate read LT. RYAN MITCHELL.
He carried a small black document case in one hand.
His expression was serious.
“Lieutenant Mitchell,” Hayes said calmly.
“Ma'am.”
Mitchell stopped beside her and opened the case.
“I'm sorry for the delay. Security clearance has been verified.”
He removed a small identification credential and presented it to Hayes.
She accepted it.
The credential was unlike the ordinary military identification cards worn by the personnel in the hangar. It had a dark metallic border, an official federal seal, and a distinctive insignia that Walker had never seen before.
Mitchell turned toward the assembled personnel.
“Everyone, stand by.”
Nobody moved.
Then he spoke more clearly.
“Attention. Colonel Rebecca Hayes is here under direct authorization from the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force and the Department of Defense Inspector General.”
Walker's face slowly lost its color.
Mitchell continued.
“She has been appointed as the lead investigating officer for Operation Iron Veil.”
The name meant nothing to most people in the hangar.
But Walker recognized it.
His mouth opened slightly.
Mitchell looked directly at him.
“Sergeant Walker, step away from the aircraft.”
Walker didn't respond.
“Sergeant?”
“That's not possible,” Walker whispered.
Hayes slipped the credential into her pocket.
“What's not possible?”
Walker stared at her.
“You're… you're the inspector?”
Hayes didn't answer immediately.