Three agents stepped out; two in plain jackets, one in a heavier vest that read HAZMAT CONSULT in small reflective lettering. Behind them, a fourth person exited the vehicle carrying a metal case. He looked different from the others: older, wiry, with calm eyes behind thin glasses.
“Dr. Halpern,” he introduced himself. “Environmental toxicology. You’re the homeowners?” Daniel and Megan nodded. Agent Brooks, tall, sharp-jawed, professional to the point of stillness stepped forward. “We need you both to stay upstairs unless we say otherwise,” she instructed.