'You're handcuffing us?' Kat screamed.
'Yes, ma'am.'
'Detective, I am not going anywhere without my personal attorney,' Orr said. 'I will call him and wait here until he arrives.'
'I'm sorry, Senator, but that is not how it works,' Mastio told him.
'You will have to come with us. All of you.'
'This is ridiculous!' Orr huffed.
'No,' Rodgers said. 'This is the system you took a vow to uphold.'
'You have the right to remain silent and refuse to answer any questions,' Mastio said to them. 'Anything you say may be used against you in a court of law '
'Please don't do this to the senator,' Kat implored. 'His office demands some measure of respect.'
'It's like a bank account, Kat,' Rodgers said. 'The more you invest, the more you earn.'
As Mastio finished reciting the Miranda warning, Kat turned again and glared at Rodgers, then at the others. Fierce, angry glances from the senator and his aide were met with resolute looks from the others. It was only a moment, but it was like nothing Rodgers had ever experienced. This was not like political views or tactical opinions clashing in an office or command center. Those were about ideas, and they were expressed in words. This had become a primal, unspoken confrontation, something closer to the apes than to the stars.
The young San Diego detective broke the tension. She provided an edge of humanity, a touch of the dignity Kat had requested.
'Senator, Ms. Lockley, if you agree to come peaceably, I will remove restraints,' Mastio said. 'My officers will gather your things and bring them to the station house She agreed. 'The press is downstairs,' Orr said. 'Will I be allowed to speak with them?'
'Actually, Senator, we will be leaving through the underground delivery level,' Mastio said.
'The basement?' Kat declared.
'Yes,' the detective replied. 'We do not wish to upset the senator's supporters and risk a riot.'
'You deserve one,' Kat said.
'They don't,' Mastio replied, impatience flashing for the first time.
'Innocent individuals might be hurt.'
There was no further discussion. The senator went to put on a necktie.
Kat stepped into the hallway. She grabbed a banana from the room service cart. It had arrived during the debate and was left behind.
One of the police officers made sure she took only the fruit and not a knife or juice glass.
While they waited for the senator, Detective Howell took Rodgers aside.
The men stood beside the foyer closet.
'General, I want to thank you for asking me to come out,' Howell said.
'It seemed the place you should be.'
'You know I screwed up on this,' Howell said.
'I've heard rumors,' Rodgers said. He smiled. 'Just rumors.'
'Thanks. I want you to know I'll make it right with the department,'
