A slight lift of the captain's chin revelead his frustration.
"This is not a request. It's an order," he snapped. "We're in an active operation zone. You don't just opt out because you feel like it."
Rodriguez lowered his head. "I know the protocol, Captain. I'm not trying to disrespect it. I just… I've been in this force for almost twenty years. I've done my share."
The captain opened his mouth again, ready to shut it down.
But one of the younger agents stepped forward first.
"Captain. Let him sit this one out. He's been working for the force for too long. I think he deserves this."
Another voice followed almost immediately.
"He's not going to slow us down if he stays here. And honestly… we can handle this without him."
The truck behind them idled loudly, lights flashing against the dark alley. The tension between duty and exhaustion hung in the air.
Their captain looked at Rodriguez for a few seconds.
