“The internal battery’s been taken out,” Richard said.

Michael picked up the phone, checked that the security seal on the lower housing was intact, and fitted it neatly into the dense foam cutouts.

He shut the plastic lid and snapped both metal latches closed.

“This protocol is closed for good, Colonel.”

“Good to hear,” Richard said.

“Your personal bank accounts will be fully released by noon today,” Michael said, picking up the locked case.

“And the local arrest warrants the county sheriff issued were thrown out an hour ago.”