Arvand said nothing.
Riker’s expression hardened.
Then another sound came from the hallway.
Footsteps.
More than one person.
And the officer who had promised there would be no witnesses began to understand that the building was not as isolated as he believed.
Chapter 12: The Door Finally Opened
Lieutenant Rachel Monroe arrived with two officers and a supervisor from the facility’s administrative unit.
Jasmine met them at the lower corridor.
She explained what she had heard.
Rachel approached the interrogation room.
“Officer Riker, open the door.”
There was no answer.
She repeated the instruction.
“Riker. Open it.”
Inside, the officer looked toward Arvand.
His face had gone pale.
He quickly removed his gloves.
Then stepped toward the door.
When he opened it, Rachel saw Arvand sitting handcuffed to the metal chair.
His jacket was twisted.
His wrists were red.
And a prepared confession statement lay on the table.
Rachel stopped.
“What’s going on?”
Riker attempted to smile.
“Routine questioning.”
Rachel looked toward Arvand.
“Sir, are you being held against your will?”
Arvand nodded.
“Yes.”
She looked at the handcuffs.
“Has he been arrested?”
Riker hesitated.
“He’s being questioned about stolen department records.”
“Where is the detention documentation?”
Riker said nothing.
Rachel looked toward the papers on the table.
Then at the old camera.
“Is this room authorized for custodial interviews?”
“No,” Jasmine answered from the doorway.
Rachel’s expression hardened.
She instructed the officers to secure the scene and arrange for Arvand’s release once the immediate custody questions were resolved.
Riker began protesting.
But Rachel stopped him.
“You’re not conducting another interview until this is reviewed.”
Arvand slowly rubbed his wrists after the cuffs were removed.
He looked toward Jasmine.
“Thank you.”
She nodded.
Then Arvand turned toward Rachel.
