The drive to Hawthorne Avenue took less than half an hour.
When she arrived, Eleanor parked outside the property and examined the entrance from the street. She checked the position of the external cameras, noted the line of sight from the driveway, and observed how the surrounding trees affected visibility.
She then walked along the boundary, recording several details that would need further examination.
The inspection was progressing normally.
At the front entrance, she took out the keys issued by the state office and approached the wooden door. Before inserting one into the lock, she checked the identification number on her work order against the property reference displayed in her documents.
Everything matched.
She was about to continue when a police cruiser entered the street.
The vehicle slowed near the driveway, turned toward the estate, and stopped a short distance from the porch.
Richard Hayes stepped out.
He was fifty-six years old and had served in law enforcement for more than two decades. During his career, he had worked in patrol operations, supervised several investigative teams, and eventually become chief of the local police department.
He considered himself a practical officer.
He believed that experience allowed him to recognize suspicious situations quickly, and he often argued that officers who hesitated too long risked allowing preventable incidents to develop into serious crimes.
That confidence had helped him advance through the department.
It had also made him increasingly resistant to information that challenged his first impressions.
Richard had received a report about an unfamiliar person at the estate. The caller had mentioned a woman in professional clothing who appeared to be using keys at the entrance.
The report contained no confirmed evidence of a break-in. No damaged door had been reported, and the caller had not witnessed anyone removing property.
Nevertheless, Richard considered the address important enough to investigate personally.
He had driven through the neighborhood before and knew the estate was among the most valuable properties in his district. When he saw Eleanor standing beside the entrance, holding a folder and a set of keys, he immediately connected her to the report.
He did not first ask whether the property had a scheduled inspection.
He did not contact the state security office.
Instead, he crossed the driveway and approached her with a suspicious expression.
Eleanor heard his footsteps and turned to face him.
For a moment, both remained silent.
The security camera above the entrance recorded their positions clearly. Eleanor stood on the left side of the porch, close to the wooden door. Richard stood several feet away, his dark uniform contrasting with her white clothing.
The garden behind him was quiet. A light breeze moved through the trees, and the police cruiser remained visible beyond the shrubs.
Richard looked at the keys in her hand.
Then he looked at the entrance.
RICHARD HAYES: "What are you doing here?"
Eleanor kept the folder against her body and answered without raising her voice.
ELEANOR WHITMORE: "I'm conducting an authorized property inspection, Officer."
Richard studied her for another moment.
RICHARD HAYES: "Whose property is this?"
ELEANOR WHITMORE: "It's a government-owned residence. I have the authorization documents with me."
She moved the folder slightly, preparing to show him the paperwork.
Richard's expression did not soften.
RICHARD HAYES: "Put the keys down."
Eleanor looked at him, then placed the keys carefully on the stone step beside the door.
She understood that the officer was investigating a report and wanted to establish whether she had a legitimate reason to be there. She had no intention of making the situation more difficult than necessary.
ELEANOR WHITMORE: "Certainly. You can check my credentials and contact the office that assigned me."
Richard glanced at the folder.
RICHARD HAYES: "I want you to explain why you're trying to enter this house."
ELEANOR WHITMORE: "I've already explained that I'm here for an inspection. The work order identifies the property and gives you the reference number."
Richard extended his hand.
RICHARD HAYES: "Let me see it."
Eleanor began opening the folder.
She had expected the encounter to take only a few minutes. A quick identity check would establish her authorization, and the officer could return to his patrol.
Instead, Richard interrupted her before she could retrieve the relevant document.
RICHARD HAYES: "Keep your hands where I can see them."
Eleanor stopped moving.