"Deputy Director?"
Aaron slowly straightened.
His glasses remained slightly crooked.
His olive-green vest had been pulled out of shape.
The handcuffs were still fastened behind his back.
Grant turned toward Thornton.
"Chief, the man you've detained is Deputy Director Aaron Cole of the State Bureau of Professional Standards."
The café became completely silent.
Thornton stared.
For a moment, he seemed unable to understand the words.
Then he looked toward Aaron.
"You?"
Aaron met his eyes.
"Yes."
Thornton's mouth opened.
He closed it again.
Grant continued.
"The detention and use of force will be independently reviewed. We also have a broader investigation involving conduct within your department."
Thornton stepped backward.
His gaze moved toward Raymond behind the counter.
The barista had removed his apron.
He stood beside Nora, holding his state credentials.
Thornton's face drained.
"Ray?"
Raymond looked at him.
"Investigator Coleman."
Thornton slowly turned toward Aaron.
The man he had treated as an unwanted customer had been sitting in the café as part of an authorized investigation.
The barista had been observing.
The owner had been cooperating.
And multiple recording systems had documented the confrontation.
For the first time that morning, Thornton did not know what to say.
Aaron did not smile.
He did not celebrate.
He did not raise his voice.
He simply looked toward Grant.
"Please document my injuries and arrange for the handcuffs to be removed under the appropriate procedure."
Grant nodded.
She turned toward Sullivan.
"Officer, are you willing to assist in safely removing the restraints?"
Sullivan looked toward Thornton.
The chief stood motionless.
Then she answered.
"Yes."
She approached Aaron.
"I'm sorry, sir."