A senior officer signaled that it would be inconvenient.
The younger officer complied.
No one called it corruption.
No one called it misconduct.
It was described as knowing how the department worked.
Simone watched Price return to his desk.
She recognized the hesitation.
She had seen it in statements from other employees.
A moment when someone knew enough to act but chose the safer path.
Later, Price would remember that moment with more shame than almost anything else he had done.
Matthews placed his paperwork on the processing desk.
"Obstruction," he said.
Price opened the booking system.
"Alleged narcotics possession."
He typed.
"Failure to obey lawful commands."
He typed again.
"Resisting."
Simone looked up.
"I did not resist."
Matthews gave her a cold smile.
"That's your opinion."
Price glanced between them.
He had seen the redness on her cheek.
He had seen her wrists.
He knew Matthews had not presented an injury report explaining the use of force.
But he continued typing.
"Full legal name?" Price asked.
Simone looked directly at Matthews.
For the first time since arriving, she saw a hint of curiosity cross his face.
He had demanded obedience without learning who she was.
Now the paperwork required what his confrontation had ignored.
"Simone Carter."
Price typed the name.
"Date of birth?"
She answered.
"Current address?"
Simone paused.
"My address information is subject to a protective arrangement. I need you to contact the appropriate federal liaison."
Matthews laughed.
"Everybody's got a special excuse."
Price looked at her.
"Federal liaison?"
"Yes."
"Are you a federal employee?"
"No."
Matthews spread his hands.
"Here we go."
Simone did not look at him.
"I am requesting that you verify the protective notification associated with my identification."
Price turned back to the computer.
He entered her information.
A moment later, his screen changed.
He frowned.
An alert appeared requiring the booking officer to pause ordinary processing and contact a designated federal coordination desk.
It did not display the entire investigation.
It did not disclose confidential operations.