Chapter 2 - The Gold Security Badge
Rourke stepped closer, towering over her with his jaw set in rigid defiance.
"You don't question Marines in this building," Rourke spat in a dismissive, stern voice. "Last chance, civilian—move!"
The woman didn't flinch. Calmly, she slid her hand into the inner pocket of her olive jacket, pulling out a heavy leather wallet.
With a swift, deliberate motion, she flicked the leather open, displaying a high-level gold security badge stamped with the Department of Defense Special Inspector seal and presidential clearance seals.
"I never refused to identify myself," she said in a steady, authoritative voice.
Rourke’s arrogant expression instantly vanished. His skin turned ash-white, his jaw dropping in sheer terror as his eyes locked onto the gold insignia and the title beneath it: DR. EVELYN REED - SPECIAL INSPECTOR GENERAL FOR JOINT CHIEFS.
His voice cracked as stammered frantically, "Ma’am... I... I didn't know..."
Before Rourke could step back, heavy, authoritative footsteps echoed across the polished marble behind him.
A Four-Star Admiral stepped up directly beside Rourke, his grey hair neatly groomed and four silver stars gleaming on his collar. His face was frozen in cold, furious outrage.
May you like
"Stand down, Sergeant," the Admiral commanded in a low, lethal voice. "You're dismissed immediately."
👉 What secret investigation had Dr. Evelyn Reed been conducting before Rourke intercepted her in the cafeteria?
