The federal agent didn't respond to the challenge.
He requested identification and informed the appropriate supervisors of the encounter.
The situation was handled as a serious alleged assault and possible obstruction of a federal investigation.
Any detention or arrest would need to be supported by the relevant facts and legal authority.
The team wasn't interested in staging a public humiliation.
They were interested in preserving evidence and establishing what had happened.
Meanwhile, the woman who had been dressed as a jogger continued toward the gray-jacketed security director.
He was moving quickly now.
Not running.
But walking with the purposeful speed of someone who hoped to disappear before anyone noticed.
She identified herself when she approached.
He stopped.
His expression became carefully blank.
"Can I help you?"
She asked him to remain available for questions.
He gave a small, polite smile.
"I'm just walking through the park."
The agent looked toward the maintenance vehicle.
"Do you work here?"
"No."
"Then why were you standing beside that vehicle?"
He shrugged.
"Watching the commotion."
She studied him.
He was well dressed.
Gray jacket.
Dark trousers.
Expensive shoes.
A watch that cost more than the average monthly rent in the buildings his company was supposed to be helping repair.
The woman continued.
"Do you know the police officer at that table?"
He shook his head.
"No."
The federal agent didn't accuse him.
She simply noted the answer.
Then asked for his identification and the purpose of his presence.
He provided a business card identifying his security company.
At that moment, another member of the federal team approached.
The security director looked toward him.
Then toward the crowd gathering near the picnic table.
His confidence began to fade.
But he recovered quickly.
"I have a meeting."
The agents informed him that they were investigating the incident and wanted to establish whether he had relevant information.
He asked whether he was free to leave.
They answered according to the circumstances and their legal authority, without inventing a reason to hold him.
He said he would speak through counsel.
Then walked away.
The agents documented the encounter.
They didn't chase him merely because he looked suspicious.
But his presence was now part of the case.
And he had given them a statement that could be checked against the records.
Because the task force already possessed evidence suggesting he knew the senior officer.
The statement that they were strangers might become important.
Very important.
The woman in the olive-green gown was escorted away from the picnic table after the immediate scene had been secured.
She refused an offer to sit in the rear of an unmarked vehicle.