"Could this be a prank?"
"Possibly."
Haynes examined the photograph."The sender knew enough to make the message relevant to tonight's operation."
The supervisor nodded.
"Security analysis needs to determine whether this is credible."
He turned toward the communications officer.
"Preserve the message. Record the timestamp. Notify the appropriate threat assessment team."
The officer immediately began working.
Marcus stood beside the table.
He was no longer thinking about Officer Whitmore.
The local officer's mistake was serious, but the new message raised a different concern.
Someone might have been monitoring the presidential route.
And if someone had deliberately caused confusion near the eastern checkpoint, the consequences could extend far beyond one mistaken arrest.
Haynes folded her arms.
"Do you think Whitmore was involved?"
Marcus considered the question.
"I don't know."
"He detained you before verifying your identity. That created a delay."
"Yes."
"And someone sent you a message about the route immediately afterward."
"Yes."
Haynes looked at him.
"That's a strange coincidence."
"Coincidences happen."
"Not always."
Marcus turned toward the command supervisor.
"Do we have confirmation that the local officer received the correct perimeter briefing?"
The supervisor checked his computer.
"We're requesting the department's briefing records."
"Was he assigned to that exact location?"
"According to the initial information, yes."
"Who assigned him?"
"We'll find out."
Haynes stepped closer to the map.
"The officer might simply have misunderstood his assignment."
Marcus nodded.
"But we need to know whether anyone gave him incorrect information."
The supervisor looked toward the security team.
"Nobody leaves this area without completing their operational report."
An agent at the opposite desk raised his hand.
"Sir, we have something."
Everyone turned.
The agent displayed a screenshot from a security camera near the eastern checkpoint.
The footage showed Marcus standing beside the black SUV.
Several minutes later, Whitmore's police cruiser entered the frame.
The officer approached.
There was a brief exchange.
Then Marcus placed his hands against the vehicle.
The agent enlarged the image.
"Look at the background."
Haynes leaned forward.
A second vehicle was visible near the far end of the street.
A dark gray sedan.
Its headlights were switched off.
It remained parked for approximately three minutes before disappearing.
"Can we identify the registration?" the supervisor asked.
"Not yet. The image is partially obscured by rain."
Marcus examined the footage.
"Does the vehicle appear in any other camera recordings?"
"We're checking."
Haynes looked toward him.
"That could explain the message."
Marcus remained focused on the screen.
"Or it could be completely unrelated."
The supervisor nodded.
"We're not making assumptions."
The communications officer suddenly spoke again.
"Sir, the local police department has responded."
A new message appeared on the monitor.
Sergeant Robert Miller had arrived at the eastern checkpoint.
He was requesting a meeting with the federal security team.
The supervisor looked at Marcus.
"Do you want to speak with him?"
"Yes."
Haynes immediately nodded.
"I'll come with you."
The two agents returned to the command vehicle's front compartment.
Outside, the rain had weakened.
Streetlights illuminated the wet pavement, and several police officers were gathering near the temporary barriers.
Sergeant Miller stood beside a black patrol SUV.
He was a tall man in his early fifties with gray hair and a serious expression.
When he saw Marcus approaching, he stepped forward.
"Agent Reed?"
"Sergeant Miller."
Miller extended his hand.
Marcus shook it.
"I understand there was an incident involving one of my officers."
"That's correct."
"I apologize for what happened."
Marcus studied him.
"Thank you. But I need to know what information Officer Whitmore received before approaching me."
Miller's expression changed.
"What do you mean?"
"Was he briefed on the federal security personnel assigned to the eastern checkpoint?"
"According to our records, yes."
"Then why did he believe I was unauthorized?"
Miller looked toward the street.
"I'll need to review the briefing documents."
Haynes stepped forward.
"There's another issue."
She showed him the photograph of the handwritten message.
Miller read it.
His expression immediately became serious.
"Where did you get this?"
"Agent Reed received it anonymously."
Miller looked at Marcus.
"When?"
"Approximately ten minutes after the motorcade passed."
The sergeant stared at the message for several seconds.
Then he lowered his voice.
"Agent Reed, there's something you should know about Officer Whitmore."