"As of this hour, Hawthorne County begins a new administration under the appointment approved by the county commissioners."
He paused.
"The incoming sheriff brings extensive experience in public-integrity investigations, financial oversight, and law-enforcement leadership."
Voss leaned backward.
He wasn't interested in another lecture.
Rowan continued.
"Before we begin, I want to emphasize that the standards of this office apply equally to every employee, regardless of assignment or seniority."
The sergeant glanced toward Solis.
She remained expressionless.
Then Rowan looked toward the door.
"Please welcome Sheriff Camille Hayes."
The door opened.
And the woman Voss had shoved beside her Bentley walked into the room.
For one terrible second, Colin Voss thought his mind was playing a trick on him.
The woman entering wore an oversized olive-gray jacket with white and pale-blue panels.
A black-and-white striped cropped top.
A long sage-green cargo skirt.
And chunky sneakers.
A small yellow triangular handbag hung across her waist.
Her thick black curls were gathered into the same high puff.
She carried the same narrow brown-tinted sunglasses in one hand.
Voss recognized every detail.
He remembered the moment she stood beside the shattered Bentley.
The way her handbag swung when he pushed her.
The way she removed her sunglasses and looked directly at him.
And the controlled voice that warned him his conduct would have to be explained.
Now she was walking toward the head of the conference table.
Captain Rowan stepped aside.
Camille approached the front of the room.
She placed her yellow bag on a nearby chair.
Then turned to face the assembled officers.
For several seconds, she looked across their faces.
Her eyes passed over Solis.
Cross.
And the other supervisors.
Then they stopped briefly on Voss.
The sergeant felt his throat tighten.
His face went pale.
His hands remained frozen on the tabletop.
Camille didn't smile.
She didn't point at him.
And she didn't say a word about the afternoon.
Instead, she looked toward Rowan.
The captain completed the formal introduction and confirmed the transition.
Then Camille addressed the room.
"Good evening. I know the hour is unusual, so I'll respect your time."
Her voice was calm.
Professional.
And unmistakable.
Voss felt the room tilt around him.
He remembered shouting at her.
Breaking the windows.
And telling her she sounded like someone who read too many regulations.
He'd accused her of trying to intimidate him with legal language.
Now she was his sheriff.
And everyone in the room knew it.
Camille began with the department's responsibilities.
She thanked the employees who continued serving residents through a difficult leadership transition.
She acknowledged the challenges the office faced.
Staffing shortages.
Budget pressure.
Public concern over certain vehicle stops.
And questions about outside contracts.
Then she paused.
"I didn't accept this appointment because I believe every employee here has done something wrong."
Several officers looked toward her.
She continued.