The interrogation room was deliberately designed to psychologically destabilize—fluorescent lights creating shadowless environment that distorted time perception, temperature kept uncomfortably cold to maintain alertness, metal chair bolted to floor preventing any position that might offer comfort during extended questioning. Ral had been sitting for six hours while federal agents rotated through, each bringing different approach to extracting testimony.
Agent Sarah Chen returned for her third session, carrying thick folder that suggested extensive preparation. She sat across metal table with expression suggesting professional detachment masking calculation about how to leverage his cooperation most effectively.
"Let's start again," she stated, opening folder to reveal surveillance photo
