Frank reached into his canvas jacket, pulled out a black smartphone, and speed-dialed an encrypted priority line.
Bringing the phone to his ear, Frank kept his steely gaze locked on the deputy and the patrol cruiser parked in the background.
His deep, gravelly voice echoed with absolute, chilling authority:
"Same permit trick."
He paused as the state command director on the line answered with immediate, breathless urgency.
"Unit 12."
Chapter IV: The Lockdown
Deputy Vance had his hand on the cruiser’s door handle, ready to climb inside and drive away.