Federal detention cells were designed for psychological efficiency rather than comfort—stark white walls, fluorescent lighting that never dimmed, temperature maintained at precisely uncomfortable levels. Ral sat on the concrete bench for seven hours before Chen finally appeared with folders thick enough to suggest either comprehensive evidence or theatrical intimidation.
"Your lawyer arrived two hours ago but was denied access pending national security clearance," Chen stated, settling into the metal chair across from him. "Turns out assaulting foreign nationals on American soil while possessing classified intelligence creates jurisdictional complications."
"Where is my family?" Ral demanded, bypassing procedural niceties. "Are Louis and Maya still protected or did FBI decide they were e
