The officer approached the sedan but stopped several feet away, allowing the scene to remain documented.
Mara returned her attention to Devlin.
“We've already confirmed an active federal travel and protective-security issue involving this vehicle. The agency's duty office is available to verify her official status.”
Devlin looked toward his cruiser.
For a moment, I could see him calculating.
He had expected me to be alone.
Expected that he controlled the road, the report, and the story.
Now three federal vehicles stood behind him.
Several trained professionals were watching.
And the Black woman he'd pushed against a car hood was being addressed by her actual title.
He looked toward Ortiz.
“Don't just stand there.”
The young deputy didn't move.
Mara's eyes narrowed.
“Sergeant, do not attempt to open or move that case again.”
Devlin pointed toward me.
“She had a gun.”
I spoke from inside the cruiser.
“I disclosed the lawful possession before exiting my vehicle and did not touch the weapon.”
Mara turned toward me.
“Are you injured, ma'am?”
“My wrists and shoulder are hurting. I'd also like the restraints removed when it's safe to do so.”
She nodded.
Then addressed Devlin.
“Why is she handcuffed?”
He squared his shoulders.
“Resisting.”
I felt anger rise.
But I kept my voice steady.
“That's false.”
Devlin pointed toward the cruiser.
“She wouldn't stop telling me what to do.”
Mara looked directly at him.
“Giving you information isn't, by itself, resistance.”
He opened his mouth.
Then closed it.
Deputy Ortiz stepped forward.
“Special Agent?”
Mara turned.
The younger woman swallowed.
“I'm Deputy Lila Ortiz.”
“Go ahead.”
Ortiz looked toward Devlin.
For a moment, she seemed frightened.
Then she raised the identification card she had recovered from the gravel.
“She provided this. The sergeant discarded it before completing verification.”
Devlin's face hardened.
“Ortiz!”
The young deputy flinched.
Mara didn't.
She looked toward him.
“Do not interfere with her statement.”
Devlin stared.
Ortiz continued.
“I also requested that we verify the credentials and confirm the vehicle status. The request wasn't completed.”
Mara nodded once.
“Thank you.”
She looked toward another officer.
“Document the scene and the sequence of events. Preserve all available recordings.”
Then she turned toward the cruiser.
“I'd like her checked medically and the restraints removed as soon as the immediate safety assessment permits.”
Devlin stepped forward.