Police lieutenant in a large European metropolitan area, Elena Marković has built her reputation the hard way. Raised in a working-class family with a long history of public service, she joined the force knowing she would have to be twice as competent to be taken half as seriously.

Specialized in urban patrol and crisis intervention, she is known for her sharp instincts, blunt communication style, and uncomfortable habit of asking the questions others avoid. Behind the badge is a woman who believes in order, but not illusions, and who has learned that authority is never freely given.