Ryker stepped closer to the bars.
“You threatening an investigation?”
“No.”
Sarah’s voice remained calm.
“I’m telling you what should be preserved if your arrest is legitimate.”
“And if it isn't?”
Sarah met his eyes.
“Then you already know why.”
Twenty-four minutes later, the Oak Haven County magistrate arrived.
Not because the Pentagon ordered him.
Because Colonel James Whitaker, Sarah’s executive officer, had contacted the Army legal duty officer, who contacted Sarah’s civilian counsel, who contacted the county clerk, who informed the magistrate that an attorney was requesting immediate review of a detention in which access to counsel had allegedly been denied.
The distinction mattered to Sarah.
She would not use military rank to order a civilian sheriff to release her.
But she would use every lawful right available to any citizen.
The magistrate, Harold Green, entered the station carrying reading glasses and an expression suggesting he had been interrupted during a very late lunch.
He was sixty-three.
Black.
Former public defender.
Ryker visibly disliked seeing him.
That told Sarah something.
“Sheriff.”
Green said.
“Judge.”
“I'm not a judge.”
“Magistrate.”
Green looked at Sarah behind bars.
Then at the paperwork.
“Who prepared affidavit?”
Ryker handed him the report.
Green read.
Slowly.
Sarah appreciated that immediately.
He reached the second page.
“Reckless driving?”
“Yes.”
“What conduct?”
“She crossed center line repeatedly.”
Miller shifted.
Green looked at him.
“You made stop?”
“Yes, sir.”
“How many times did you observe vehicle cross center?”
Miller’s mouth opened.
Ryker answered:
“Several.”
Green turned.
“I asked Deputy Miller.”
Silence.
Miller looked toward Sarah.
Then Ryker.
“Once.”
Green lowered the report.
“Once?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Entire tire over center?”
“I…”
Miller swallowed.
“Maybe left wheels touched it.”
“Maybe?”
“The road curves there.”
Green took off his glasses.
“Was there oncoming traffic?”
“No.”
“Did she nearly strike anything?”
“No.”
“Speeding?”
“No.”
“Signal violations?”
“No.”
Green looked at the charge again.
“Reckless driving based on what?”
Ryker’s voice tightened.
“Totality.”
Green turned toward Sarah.
“Disorderly conduct?”
Ryker answered.
“She became argumentative.”
Sarah said nothing.
Green looked at Miller again.
“Did she threaten anyone?”
“No.”
“Use obscene language?”
“No.”
“Create public disturbance?”
“No.”
“How many members of public present?”
Miller looked miserable.
“None.”
Green turned the page.
“Resisting?”
Ryker folded his arms.
“She refused commands.”
“Which?”
“To consent to search.”
Sarah spoke for the first time.
“I complied with every lawful physical instruction.”
Ryker snapped:
“No one asked you.”