The Prison-Made Queen novel Chapter 991

Josiah Sloan's heart ached with a bitter sorrow, but more than that, he felt a deep, freezing numbness.

...

At the police precinct.

A few days had passed since Ethan Jenkins first called Director Hawkins to request a cross-border investigation. Hawkins had been swayed enough to promise he'd run it up the flagpole.

But with zero updates on Leilani Sloan, Ethan's anxiety boiled over. He stormed straight into the director's office.

Standing in front of the desk, Ethan took a deep breath, forcing his white-knuckled fists to uncurl. He tried his best to keep his composure.

"Director Hawkins, sorry to barge in. But my request for the cross-border operation... has it been approved?"

Seeing Ethan, Quentin Hawkins set down his pen and rubbed his temples, exhaustion etched into his features. He gestured to the chair across from him. "Take a seat, Ethan. Let's talk."

Ethan didn't move. His gaze was burning. "I'm not tired, sir. I just need an answer."

He physically couldn't sit. Callahan Langley and Leilani had been completely off the grid for over ninety-six hours. Every ticking second was a matter of life and death.

Hawkins stayed silent for a moment. Then, he pulled a file from his drawer and slid it across the desk. "The brass got back to us... It's been rejected."

Ethan froze. He snatched the file, his eyes flying over the cold, bureaucratic jargon.

"Given the complex international climate, and with no concrete evidence that a citizen is in immediate peril, this cross-border operation is denied to prevent diplomatic complications..."

"The photos, the reports—they're all in here," Ethan's voice dropped an octave, tight with frustration, as he tossed the file back onto the desk. "How is none of this enough proof?"

Hawkins stood up and walked around the desk. "I get it, Ethan. Callahan is my friend, too, but—"

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