He wasn't simply angry.
He was frightened.
EVELYN: "Sergeant, whose authorization code is that?"
Kyle said nothing.
Thomas looked from the screen to Kyle.
THOMAS: "Brody?"
KYLE: "I said leave it alone."
EVELYN: "That is not an answer."
The office door opened.
A senior officer entered, accompanied by two members of the command staff.
He wore a decorated military uniform and carried a thin black folder.
The room immediately fell silent.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Chairwoman Vance."
Evelyn turned toward him.
EVELYN: "Commander Harris."
He looked around the office.
His eyes briefly stopped on the computer screen.
Then he looked at Kyle.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "I understand there has been an unfortunate misunderstanding."
Evelyn closed the folder in her hand.
EVELYN: "Is that what you've been told?"
COMMANDER HARRIS: "I understand Sergeant Brody was attempting to maintain security."
EVELYN: "And have you been informed that he physically assaulted me?"
The commander's expression stiffened.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "I was informed that there was an altercation."
EVELYN: "Then you have not received the complete report."
Commander Harris glanced toward the second officer.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Officer, can you explain what happened?"
SECOND OFFICER: "Sir, I witnessed Sergeant Brody grab the Chairwoman by her hair and attempt to strike her. I intervened before he could continue."
Harris looked toward Kyle.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Is that accurate?"
Kyle shifted his weight.
KYLE: "Sir, the situation escalated."
COMMANDER HARRIS: "That wasn't my question."
Kyle lowered his head.
KYLE: "Yes, sir."
The commander took a slow breath.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Chairwoman, perhaps we should move somewhere more appropriate to discuss this."
Evelyn looked at the computer.
EVELYN: "We are already somewhere appropriate. We are standing in front of the records that explain why I came here."
Harris followed her gaze.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "I see."
EVELYN: "Do you recognize this authorization code?"
The commander looked at the screen.
For a fraction of a second, his expression changed.
It was subtle.
But Evelyn noticed it.
Commander Harris placed his folder on the desk.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "I would need to review the full documentation."
EVELYN: "Of course."
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Some of these records may have been transferred between departments."
EVELYN: "Then we will establish who transferred them."
COMMANDER HARRIS: "There may be a perfectly reasonable explanation."
EVELYN: "I hope there is."
Harris looked toward Kyle.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Sergeant, return to your office until further instructions."
Kyle nodded.
KYLE: "Yes, sir."
But as he turned toward the door, Evelyn spoke.
EVELYN: "One moment."
Kyle stopped.
EVELYN: "Your access to the maintenance system must be preserved exactly as it is. Do not delete anything, change passwords, or contact anyone about the records."
KYLE: "I wouldn't do that."
EVELYN: "Then complying should be easy."
Kyle walked out.
The commander waited until the door closed.
Then he turned toward Evelyn.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Chairwoman, I believe we should speak privately."
Evelyn studied him.
EVELYN: "Why?"
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Because there are certain matters that should not be discussed in front of junior personnel."
EVELYN: "Are those matters connected to the authorization code?"
Harris did not answer immediately.
He looked toward Thomas Reed.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Master Sergeant, please give us a moment."
Thomas glanced at Evelyn.
She gave him a small nod.
THOMAS: "Yes, sir."
Thomas and Daniel stepped outside.
The second officer remained near the doorway.
Harris looked at him.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "You as well."
EVELYN: "No."
The commander turned back.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Excuse me?"
EVELYN: "The officer stays."
Harris looked uncomfortable.
EVELYN: "He witnessed the assault. His account must remain independent."
COMMANDER HARRIS: "I was only trying to make this easier."
EVELYN: "Then let's make it transparent."
For several seconds, neither spoke.
The commander finally opened his black folder.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "There is something you should know about Falcon Ridge."
Evelyn remained still.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "The maintenance department has been under considerable pressure."
EVELYN: "I've heard that explanation already."
COMMANDER HARRIS: "It isn't merely an excuse. We've been dealing with budget reductions, personnel shortages, and changing operational requirements."
EVELYN: "None of those things authorize false inspections."
COMMANDER HARRIS: "I agree."
EVELYN: "Then who authorized them?"
Harris looked down at the folder.
COMMANDER HARRIS: "That is what we need to establish."
Evelyn watched him carefully.
She had come to Falcon Ridge expecting resistance from a few individuals.
She had not expected the installation commander to appear so concerned about a single authorization code.
EVELYN: "Commander, I want to ask you one question."
COMMANDER HARRIS: "Go ahead."
EVELYN: "Before today, did you know that twelve aircraft had been approved despite unresolved maintenance discrepancies?"
Harris paused.
It was longer than a normal pause.