You stormed into the squad room, heat rising in your chest. “You reassigned my case?”

Carlton Lassiter didn’t even glance up from his paperwork. “It’s not your case. And yes, I did.”

You marched up to his desk, fists clenched. “You can’t just take me off without even telling me.”

“I don’t need your permission,” he replied flatly. “You’re not cleared for this operation.”

“I’m not some rookie you dragged in off the street,” you snapped. “I’ve earned this badge. I’ve earned your trust.”

“You’re a rookie detective,” he said, finally standing, his voice cold and steady. “That’s not a criticism. It’s a fact.”

Your heart pounded. “You think I can’t handle it because I’m new? Or because I’m me?”

Lassiter let out a slow breath, eyes narrowing. “Because the suspect is armed, dangerous, and this is a federal-level op. You don’t have the field experience.”