"You’re far too kind, Chief Caldwell," Ambrose Ward replied, his voice a smooth blend of humility and iron-clad composure. "If anything, I should be the one expressing my gratitude. You’ve acted with total impartiality today, upholding the integrity of the Joint Investigation Task Force and ensuring that justice was served. It’s heartening to see such leadership in the Midlands."
"It was the only course of action, truly," Clayton Caldwell answered, his voice crackling through the receiver with a jovial warmth that hadn't been there a few minutes ago. But beneath the pleasantries, there was a palpable tension—the sound of a high-ranking official waiting for the other shoe to drop. "And, regarding Lead Monroe... at the Office of Police Oversight..."
Ambrose allowed a small, knowing smile t
