"I was doing what I was told."
The words changed the atmosphere immediately.
The federal agent turned.
"What were you told?"
The blonde officer realized several people were now watching her.
She hesitated.
The police chief stepped forward.
"Officer, you should make any formal statement through the appropriate investigative process."
The agent nodded.
"That's correct."
Then she looked directly at the officer.
"But I want you to understand something. If someone gave you instructions concerning my arrival, those instructions may be important evidence. Preserve every message, note, and communication you received."
The blonde officer swallowed.
"I don't have anything."
The federal agent studied her.
"Then the records will establish that."
The officer looked away.
At that moment, the patrol sergeant returned.
His face was pale.
"Chief."
The police chief turned.
"Where's the deputy?"
The sergeant hesitated.
"He's gone."
Silence settled over the lobby.
The police chief stared.
"Gone where?"
"His office is empty. His vehicle isn't in the parking garage."
The federal agent asked, "When did he leave?"
The sergeant swallowed.
"Security says approximately fifteen minutes ago."
The agent glanced at the clock.
Fifteen minutes.
Almost exactly when the chief had answered the telephone call from the federal supervisor.
The sergeant continued.
"He told the administrative staff he had an emergency meeting."
"With whom?" the chief demanded.
"Nobody knows."
The federal agent looked toward the senior investigator.
He gave a small nod.
Then stepped aside to contact the investigative team.