Walker looked at her, then at the two security officers holding him.
Finally, he whispered:
“If I tell you who gave me those orders, you won't make it out of this hangar.”
Mitchell froze.
Hayes didn't.
Instead, she gave a small, almost disappointed smile.
“That's a very serious threat.”
“I'm not threatening you.”
“Then what are you doing?”
Walker leaned forward as far as the restraints allowed.
“I'm trying to save your life.”
For several seconds, Hayes studied his face.
Then she turned toward Mitchell.
“Bring me the original maintenance report.”
“Ma'am, we already have the digital copy.”
“I don't want the digital copy.”
Mitchell understood.
“The original paper report?”
Hayes nodded.
“Aircraft 6021. The one signed by the technician who disappeared.”
Mitchell opened his document case and removed a sealed evidence envelope.
He handed it to her.
Hayes examined the signature.
Then she looked at Walker.
“Do you recognize this name?”
Walker didn't answer.
Hayes held the paper closer.
“Staff Sergeant Michael Turner.”
Walker's eyes flickered.
“Never heard of him.”
“Really?”
“Never.”
Hayes slowly folded the report.
“That's unfortunate.”
“Why?”
“Because Michael Turner is standing right behind you.”
Walker's entire body went rigid.
He turned his head.
At the far end of the hangar, a man in civilian clothes stood beside the maintenance office.
He looked pale.
His hands were trembling.
He was alive.
Walker stared at him in disbelief.
“That's impossible…”