The dispatcher continued.
"Chief Thornton, you are directed to remain on scene. State investigators are arriving."
Thornton seized his radio.
"Who authorized that?"
There was a brief pause.
Then a calm voice answered.
"Chief, the state investigative team is already at the location."
At that moment, the café's rear door opened.
Three people entered through the hallway.
The first was a Black woman in a charcoal suit carrying a leather folder.
The second was a white man with short dark hair and a state investigator's badge clipped to his belt.
The third was a younger woman carrying a secure tablet.
They moved deliberately.
No one rushed.
No weapons were drawn.
The woman in the charcoal suit stepped forward.
"Chief Gerald Thornton?"
Thornton turned.
"Who are you?"
"Senior Investigator Marissa Grant. State Bureau of Professional Standards."
He stared at her.
"What is this?"
Grant held up her credentials.
"We're here concerning the detention occurring inside this business."
Thornton looked toward Aaron.
Then back at her.
"I've made a lawful arrest."
Grant glanced toward the man standing handcuffed against the counter.
Her expression tightened.
"Is he injured?"
"He resisted."
Aaron spoke calmly.
"I have not resisted."
Grant looked toward Sullivan.
"Officer, please secure the scene and preserve your body-camera recording."
Sullivan nodded.
"Yes, ma'am."
Thornton stepped forward.
"Hold on. This is my jurisdiction."
Grant remained composed.
"We're not disputing the existence of your department. We're addressing an active state investigation."
"What investigation?"
Grant looked toward Aaron.
"Deputy Director, are you able to stand comfortably?"
Thornton froze.
His eyes moved toward Aaron.