"An administrative directive."
"Regarding?"
"Your temporary removal from active command."
Grace immediately straightened.
"On what grounds?"
Vance opened the folder.
"Concerns regarding judgment, operational stability, and unauthorized interference in a sensitive departmental matter."
Jonathan stared at him.
"You're removing me?"
"Temporarily."
"Who authorized it?"
"I did."
Jonathan looked at the document.
His name was printed at the top.
The allegations included mishandling confidential information, interfering with an ongoing investigation, and creating instability within the department.
The document was dated the previous evening.
Jonathan slowly looked up.
"You prepared this yesterday?"
Vance closed the folder.
"It was a precaution."
"Before today's incident?"
"Yes."
"Before I entered the precinct?"
"Yes."
Jonathan leaned forward.
"Then explain something to me."
Vance waited.
"How did you know I would be involved in an incident this morning?"
Vance's expression didn't change.
"I didn't."
"Then why was a booking request entered under my name forty-three minutes before I arrived?"
For the first time, Vance's composure cracked.
Only slightly.
But enough.
He looked toward Grace.
"Lieutenant, I would appreciate some privacy."
Grace didn't move.
"I'm here under the chief's authority."
Vance turned back to Jonathan.
"You've made a serious mistake."
Jonathan nodded.
"Perhaps."
He placed the forged booking request on the table.
"But I haven't made it alone."
Vance looked down.
His face changed.
He recognized the document.
Jonathan saw it immediately.
"You've seen this before."
Vance closed the folder.
"I have no idea what you're talking about."
"Then why are you afraid of it?"
Vance stood.
"This meeting is over."
Jonathan remained seated.
"Not yet."
Vance turned toward the door.
Jonathan spoke one final time.
"Robert."
Vance stopped.
"Who gave Whitmore permission to access the Blue File?"
Vance slowly looked back.
For several seconds, neither man moved.
Then Vance said something Jonathan would remember for the rest of his life.
"Some files are sealed for a reason."
Jonathan's eyes narrowed.
"That isn't an answer."
Vance stepped toward the door.
"Then perhaps you should stop asking questions."
He opened it.
And walked out.
Grace remained motionless.
Jonathan stared at the empty doorway.
The deputy commissioner had not denied knowing about the Blue File.
He had not denied authorizing the investigation.
And he had not denied the forged booking request.
He had simply warned Jonathan to stop.
Which meant one thing.
The man who had recommended Jonathan for Chief of Police was now trying to remove him from office.
12. THE MESSAGE
At 10:41 a.m., Jonathan's phone vibrated.
He looked down.
An unknown number.
One message.
YOU HAVE UNTIL MIDNIGHT TO RESIGN.
A second message arrived.
THE NEXT ARREST WILL NOT BE A MISTAKE.
Jonathan stared at the screen.
Grace noticed his expression.
"What is it?"
He handed her the phone.
She read the messages.
"Chief, this is a direct threat."
"Yes."
"Do you want security?"
Jonathan looked through the conference-room window.
Outside, the precinct continued operating.
Officers walked between desks.
Phones rang.
Someone laughed near the front entrance.
Everything looked normal.