Although the two men were about the same age, Shawn's meteoric rise in his career had made him far more influential than Joshua. The difference in their status was unmistakable.

Joshua, fully aware of this, gave Catherine a playful wink. "I'll wait for you in the car."

Catherine forced a smile, but as soon as Joshua turned and left, her expression fell.

The officers in the room, sensing the tension, quickly excused themselves. "You heard him—Mr. ...