"I need official authorization."
"That's the city's permit."
"How do I know it's real?"
Marcus maintained his composure.
"It has the permit number, date, pavilion location, and city recreation department contact information."
Walsh's jaw tightened.
"Don't tell me how to do my job."
Marcus looked toward Fletcher.
The younger officer was studying the document.
"It appears valid," Fletcher said quietly.
Walsh turned.
"I wasn't asking you."
Fletcher stepped back.
Marcus took a breath.
"Officer, we're celebrating my son's birthday. We have permission to be here. If there's something else you need, I'm happy to help."
Walsh looked toward the birthday table.
Then toward the parents.
Then toward the little boy wearing the Superman costume.
"Well, you people have turned this entire area into a circus."
Marcus's expression changed.
"What do you mean by 'you people'?"
Walsh gave a humorless laugh.
"There it is."
"What?"
"That attitude."
Marcus looked confused.
"I'm asking what you mean."
Walsh stepped closer.
"Pack this garbage up. You're leaving."
Caleb tightened his grip on his father's shirt.
Marcus felt the boy's fingers trembling.
He lowered his voice.
"Officer, please. He's seven years old."
Walsh glanced down at the child.
"So?"
"It's his birthday."
"Not my problem."
Marcus looked toward the balloons.
Then toward the cake.
"Can we at least finish the celebration while you verify the permit?"
Walsh leaned forward.
"Are you refusing a lawful order?"
Marcus shook his head.
"I'm asking you to explain why we have to leave."
Walsh smiled.
It was not a friendly smile.
It was the expression of a man who had decided that asking a question was the same thing as challenging his authority.
"You think you're smarter than me?"
Marcus stared at him.
"No, sir."
"Then stop acting like it."
Rachel Lewis had been recording the birthday party on her phone when the officers arrived.
At first, she lowered the camera.
She assumed the interaction would end once Marcus showed the permit.
But after hearing Walsh demand that everyone leave, she raised it again.
She stood near the end of the picnic table, partially shielded by the balloons.
Her recording captured the officer's first accusations.
It captured Marcus showing the permit.
And it captured Fletcher acknowledging that the document appeared valid.
Anthony stood beside Marcus.
"Officer, I can call the recreation department."