Chapter 54

The chief's eyes widened in disbelief, taken aback by Kai's defiance.

"Watch your tone, Detective!" he snapped. "This is my station, and you'll follow my rules! You're new here—you don't get to decide how things are run!"

Kai's lips pressed into a thin line, his restraint visibly wearing thin. He took a step closer to the chief, his tone even but laced with quiet authority.

"With all due respect, Chief, these men are dangerous. They've already killed officers. Every second we waste is another second for their associates to cover their tracks or retaliate. We don't have time to sit on our hands waiting for Mr. Gavin to show up."

The room was thick with tension as the two men stared each other down.

The robbers shifted uncomfortably in their seats, clearly sensing that this was a battle neither side was willing to back down from.