The fluorescent lights on the ceiling of the interrogation room flickered unsteadily, emitting a low hum that seemed to gnaw at Valerie's remaining composure. The room was cramped and stifling, containing nothing but a cold metal table and two chairs bolted to the floor. Valerie sat alone, her fingers clenched tightly beneath the table, trying to dispel the lingering chill on her wrists where the handcuffs had recently been.
The heavy door behind her swung open with a dull thud. Bryan Carpenter stepped in, carrying a thick brown folder. He didn't speak immediately; he simply pulled out the chair opposite Valerie and sat down with a deliberately slow motion.
"A fake identity, Valerie. Or Emily Hart. Or whoever you are at this moment," Bryan began, his voice heavy and flat. He tossed the folder onto the table. "You know, infiltrating a major corporation like Rhys Tech with forged documents isn't just a minor prank. It's criminal. Why?"
