He finally looked away from the screen, turning to face the room.
"Juliet."
"Yes, sir?"
"I want five strike teams assembled immediately. Full tactical gear, full weapons authorization."
"Full tactical?"
"Full tactical."
"We're treating every location as hostile. No assumptions, no shortcuts."
Juliet nodded once, her expression determined. She was already reaching for her tablet.
"I'll have the deployment list ready within the hour."
As she hurried away, the room burst back into motion.
Officers rushed between desks. Maps were updated. Weapons requisitions were approved. Vehicles were assigned. The quiet investigation had officially become an active rescue operation, every person in the room focused on a single goal.
Nearly three hours later, Juliet knocked on the door to Nicholas's office.
"You asked for the deployment list."
"Come in."
