He pressed a black button on the frame of his desk.

“Stay right on the yellow line while I get clearance.”

The businessman behind me cleared his throat pointedly.

“Some of us have an eight forty-five departure to catch.”

“Please stay behind the yellow line, sir,” the officer said without turning his head.

I stood straight in my formal jacket, arms held neatly at my sides.

The gold oak leaf on my right lapel pressed flat against my collarbone.

“How long will the supervisor be?” I asked.