"Make it fast, Rusty," Ambrose Ward said, his voice carrying a silken edge of amusement. "I wouldn't want to keep our distinguished Director Gaines waiting a second longer than necessary. He’s a very busy man, after all."
On the other end of the line, Gavin Monroe let out a sharp, jagged laugh. "Don't you worry, Ambrose. I’ve already got the digital switchboard open. This won't take long at all. Just make sure he’s got his phone out. It’s about to get very loud in Lakeport."
With a soft click, the line went dead.
Ambrose lowered his smartphone, his expression serene, almost bored. He looked at Gerald Gaines, who was still standing with his chest puffed out like a bantamweight boxer. The Director of the Lakeport Police Sub-bureau was wearing a look of sheer, unadulterated contempt.
"The
