Adrien closed the case.
Preston stood with two private security guards.
His phone was already in his hand.
Recording.
“I heard you.”
“And you ignored me.”
“Yes.”
One guard shifted uncomfortably.
“Sir,” he said to Preston, “maybe we should call the gate office and—”
Preston cut him off.
“I already did.”
He looked at Adrien.
“They said your name isn’t on the guest list.”
Adrien nodded.
“That’s correct.”
Preston turned to the guard.
“There. You heard him.”
“That does not mean I’m unauthorized.”
“Then show me the magical credential.”
“No.”
Preston stepped closer.
“You’re done telling me no.”
He reached for the case strap.
Adrien caught the strap with his left hand.
“Do not touch this.”
Preston pulled.
Adrien did not.
The case remained between them.
For several seconds they stood locked in a strange contest.
Preston pulling.
Adrien holding.
Adrien did not shove him.
Did not twist his arm.
Did not raise his voice.
That fact would matter later.
At the time, Preston saw only resistance.
He released the strap dramatically.
Then he stepped backward.
“You just threatened me.”
Adrien’s expression changed slightly.
“No, I didn’t.”
“I have witnesses.”
“You also have a camera in your hand.”
Preston looked at the phone.
Adrien continued.
“Keep recording.”
The words unsettled him.
Preston called emergency services.
He spoke quickly.
There was an intruder.
The man had suspicious equipment.
He was attempting to gain access to restricted systems.
He had become aggressive when confronted.
He might be impersonating a government official.
Adrien stood three feet away listening to every word.
When Preston finished, Adrien asked one question.
“Did you knowingly provide false information?”
Preston lowered the phone.
“You really think anyone’s going to believe you over me?”
Adrien looked around.
At the cameras.
At the guests.
At Preston’s own phone.
“I don’t think belief will be necessary.”
The first patrol vehicle arrived six minutes later.
Officer Caleb Dunn stepped out first.
He knew Preston.
That was immediately obvious.
“Preston.”
“Caleb.”
They shook hands.
Officer Jonah Reed emerged from the passenger side.
Jonah was younger.
He did not know Preston personally.
He noticed Adrien immediately.
Not because Adrien looked threatening.
Because he did not.
Everyone else was animated.
Preston was pointing.
Security guards were whispering.
Guests were filming.
Adrien simply stood beside the railing holding a black case.
Dunn approached.
“You the guy causing trouble?”
Adrien looked at him.
“My name is Adrien Cole.”
“Put the case down.”
“I can place it on the ground, but no one here is authorized to open it.”
Dunn glanced at Preston.
Preston rolled his eyes.
“See?”
Adrien slowly placed the case beside his feet.