I stood at the police blockade watching Captain Aaron Wells pace nervously behind the yellow tape. His uniform was wrinkled from hours of stress, and dark circles shadowed his eyes. The weight of command during a crisis like this would test anyone.
A black SUV pulled up to the perimeter, and a woman stepped out. She moved with the confident stride of someone accustomed to authority. Her ponytail swayed as she approached, and I could see the sharp intelligence in her eyes even from a distance.
"Captain Vance?" Aaron called out, relief evident in his voice.
"Aaron. What's the current situation?"
Maya Vance had arrived. Her reputation preceded her - the youngest captain in New York City's General Administration, known for her by-the-book approach and unwavering dedication to results.
"The three Daoist masters entered the forest preserve two hours ago," Aaron reported. "No communication since then."
