"My registration is valid. My driver's license can be verified."
Malloy raised one finger toward her face.
"Quiet."
The dispatcher responded.
"Copy. Do you have the operator's license number?"
Malloy looked toward the torn paper inside Naomi's car.
He had not written down the number.
He frowned.
"Stand by."
Naomi watched him.
The dispatcher waited.
Malloy leaned toward the open driver's window, reached into the car, and picked up two of the torn pieces.
He tried to align them.
The paper fluttered in the breeze.
"Dammit."
Naomi spoke quietly.
"The number is also available through the motor vehicle database using my name and date of birth."
Malloy ignored her.
He pulled a small notebook from his pocket and began writing.
"Name?"
"Naomi Brooks."
"Date of birth?"
She answered.
He relayed the information to dispatch.
The dispatcher acknowledged the request.
Then there was a pause.
Naomi stood beside the hood of her car, feeling the warmth of the metal through the afternoon sunlight.
Malloy leaned against the front fender.
His boots rested on the gravel.
He looked at her expensive clothing again.
"Military lawyer, huh?"
"Yes."
"Must pay pretty well."
Naomi gave no answer.
He looked toward the sedan.
"Nice car for government work."
"I purchased it with my earnings."
He grinned.
"Sure you did."
Naomi felt the familiar exhaustion that came when someone treated an ordinary explanation as suspicious because it contradicted what they wanted to believe.
She said nothing.
Then the radio crackled.
"Twenty-Seven, state DMV confirms valid driving privileges for Naomi Brooks. Current temporary credential issued three days ago, replacement card pending. No suspension or revocation indicated."
Naomi looked toward the radio.
Malloy stared at it.
The dispatcher continued.
"Registration returns valid to the same operator. Insurance status current."
For several seconds, nobody spoke.
Then Naomi said, "Thank you for verifying it."
Malloy turned toward her.
"Don't."
She frowned.
"Don't what?"
"Don't stand there looking smug."
"I'm not."
He stepped closer.
"You think this means you're free to go?"
Naomi held his gaze.
"I think it confirms the license I presented was valid."
Malloy looked toward the patrol cruiser.