Warden Hayes, known for her iron control over the Lexington Correctional Facility, was sitting at her office computer, finalizing quarterly budget projections. The silence was absolute, broken only by the soft tap-tap-tap of the keys.
Suddenly, the heavy, oak door of her office was violently thrown open. Two uniformed guards outside were instantly immobilized against the wall. A tall, older man with close-cropped silver hair and an impeccably tailored dark suit strode into the room, followed by two severe-looking agents.
"Warden Hayes," the man said, his voice a low, commanding baritone. "I am Inspector General Marcus Thorne."
Thorne slid a thick, embossed federal document across the polished mahogany desk.
