That, or he was trying to bait her into doing something even more damaging to her career. Such as slapping that smirk off his face. She felt the anger rising up within her (she had always had a quick temper when she felt cornered), but she managed to keep it in check. No sense making things worse.

Realizing there was nothing more she could do, she turned away and moved to the door. Then she paused and looked back. This isnt an investigation, Lloyd. Its a witch hunt.

Keep talking, Pope said. You might say something you cant take back.

Lloyd took a half step forward. There was a pained expression on his facehe was probably about to explain why they needed to set aside their differences for the good of the Bureau. Always the peacemaker. For the head of a unit specializing in criminal behavior, however, sometimes he didnt seem to know much about human nature.

So when do I come back? Harley said, trying to hide the defeat from her voice.

Lloyd took a breath to speak, but Pope beat him to the punch. Well let you know. We know where to reach you.

Right.

Swallowing the bitter words that rose up in her throat, Harley opened the door. She was ready to leave without another word, knowing full well that anything she said would only dig her in deeper.

Then Lloyds words stopped her.

Youre forgetting something.

What?

Damn it, Harley, do I need to spell it out?

Then it occurred to her what the Unit Chief was waiting for. As long as she was under investigation, she would have no more power than the ordinary citizen.

With a bitter swallow, Harley unclipped her Glock 23 pistol and set it on the desk, followed by her handcuffs and the pair of extra magazines she always carried. Last of all came her badge, that symbol of authority that stood for all she believed in, all she aspired to be.

He seemed genuinely sorry, and it didnt help one bit. Gotta take my dignity too, huh? she said, slapping her Glock 23 pistol, two extra magazines, handcuffs, and badge into his outstretched hands. There. Im just a regular citizen now. Happy?

As if to rub salt in the wound, Pope said, Do we need to tell you the consequences of impersonating an agent?

I think I get the gist, Harley answered. Ill show myself out.

She walked through the building, moving stoically past the puzzled expressions of her coworkers as the realization of what had just happened settled on her like a crushing weight. An investigation of indeterminate length. And what if the investigation didnt exonerate her? What kind of stain would it leave on her record if they did, in fact, determine that her behavior had jeopardized the case rather than helped it?

I cant start over, she thought bleakly. Ive worked too hard to get here. Besides, this is the only thing I know.