And he liked the feeling that influential residents appreciated his authority.
When he saw Victoria near the driveway, he assumed she had a legitimate concern.
He didn't ask enough questions.
Instead, he approached Malik with suspicion already visible on his face.
"Step away from that car."
Malik turned.
"Officer, I own the vehicle."
Rourke pointed toward the curb.
"Move."
Malik obeyed, stepping a short distance from the Ferrari.
He kept his hands visible.
The sergeant asked for identification.
Malik explained that his wallet was inside the house but that he could provide the vehicle's registration and his driver's license information from his phone.
Rourke became irritated.
"Everybody's got an excuse."
Malik looked toward Victoria.
She stood several feet away smiling.
Then he looked back.
"Officer, you can check the plate. The registration is in my name."
Rourke glanced toward the Ferrari.
Then toward Malik.
For a moment, he seemed uncertain.
But Victoria immediately interrupted.
"He was acting suspicious. I saw him near the garage."
Malik stared.
"I live here."
She laughed.
"That's what he keeps saying."
Rourke stepped closer.
"How about you stop arguing and let me investigate?"
Malik nodded.
"Please do."
The words should have ended the argument.
An officer could examine the report, verify relevant facts, and determine whether any further action was justified.
But Rourke was already offended by Malik's confidence.
He interpreted the request for verification as a challenge.
And that was when he began treating an ordinary property check like a confrontation he needed to win.
The rest of the incident unfolded in less than five minutes.
Rourke ordered Malik to remain beside the Ferrari.
Victoria repeated that the car couldn't belong to him.
Malik offered his electronic registration.
Rourke refused to examine it immediately.
Then Malik asked what evidence supported the theft accusation.
The sergeant shoved him.
When Malik attempted to show his documents again, Rourke struck his phone onto the driveway.
The display shattered.
The officer grabbed Malik's wrist.
And Victoria stood nearby smiling until Elliot Pierce's call reached her phone.
The lawyer's words changed her expression instantly.
Malik wasn't a worker.
He wasn't an unauthorized driver.
He wasn't a trespasser.
He was the recorded owner of the property and vehicle.
And he also controlled the majority of the voting shares in the company she'd spent decades building.
Victoria looked toward him.
For a moment, she seemed unable to reconcile the facts.
Elliot was still speaking.
"Victoria, are you listening?"
Her lips trembled.
"Yes."
"Do not make any further accusations. Tell the officers exactly what you personally observed."