The American flag stood beside the department flag.
A large city police seal filled the wall behind the lectern.
The Sergeant took a seat in the front row.
He liked the front.
He liked being visible.
He joked with another supervisor about the rumors.
"They say we're getting some outsider."
The other officer shrugged.
"Chief's choice."
"That's always good."
The Sergeant smirked.
"Probably some desk guy who's never worked a real street."
A younger officer entered.
The same officer from Friday.
He saw the Sergeant and chose a seat two rows back.
The Sergeant noticed.
"Hey."
The young officer looked over.
"Yeah?"
"Front row."
"I'm fine here."
The Sergeant's smile faded.
"Since when?"
The younger officer did not answer.
At 6:55, the Police Chief entered.
Conversation dropped.
He stood near the flag.
An administrative lieutenant placed a folder on the podium.
The Sergeant leaned toward the officer beside him.
"Here we go."
At 6:59, the briefing-room doors opened.
The Black man walked inside.
For one second, the Sergeant did not recognize him.
The clothing confused his memory.
Friday night, the man had worn a charcoal blazer.
Monday morning, he wore an immaculate dark command uniform.
Gold trim circled his sleeves.
Brass buttons ran down the front.
Service ribbons sat precisely over one pocket.
A peaked command cap rested beneath his arm.
His posture was straight.
His expression controlled.
The room began rising.
The Sergeant remained seated.
Then recognition hit.
His face changed.
The man from the traffic stop.
The man he had searched.
The man he had handcuffed.
The man he had told to stop talking.
Was walking toward the podium.
The Sergeant slowly stood.
The Black man reached the front.
He placed a thin personnel folder on the desk.
Then he removed his cap.
His eyes moved across the room.
When they reached the Sergeant, they stopped.
Only for a second.
That was enough.
The Sergeant's mouth went dry.
The Police Chief stepped forward.
"Good morning."
Every officer stood quietly.
The Chief gestured toward the Black man.
"As many of you know, this precinct has operated with an interim command structure for nearly four months."
The Sergeant looked around as though somebody might explain what was happening.
Nobody did.
The Chief continued.
"That ends today."
The Black man remained still.
"After an extensive selection process, the department has appointed a new precinct commander."
The Chief said his name.
The younger officer from Friday looked down.
Several officers began applauding.
The Sergeant did not.
The Chief extended his hand.
The Black Commander shook it.
Then the Chief handed him the command insignia.
The Sergeant raised one hand.
"Chief."
The applause stopped.
The Chief looked toward him.
"Sergeant?"
The Sergeant pointed toward the front.
"There has to be some mistake."
Silence.