Harlan’s face tightened.
“Back up anyway.”
Marcus did not move immediately.
He looked behind himself.
Then at Harlan.
“Is this area restricted?”
“I just told you to back up.”
“That isn’t what I asked.”
Harlan took two steps forward.
Marcus saw it happen.
Not physically.
Mentally.
The moment inquiry became challenge.
“Who are you here to see?”
“Administration.”
“Who?”
Marcus considered answering.
Then decided the question was reasonable.
“Deputy Chief Mitchell.”
Harlan smiled.
“You have an appointment with Deputy Chief Mitchell?”
“Yes.”
“What for?”
“That’s between us.”
Harlan laughed once.
“No.”
Marcus raised an eyebrow.
“No?”
“You don't walk into headquarters, hover around secure access, and refuse questions.”
“I’m standing where reception told me to stand.”
Emily nodded.
“I did tell him—”
Harlan raised a hand without looking at her.
“I’ve got it.”
Marcus noticed Emily’s expression.
Not surprise.
Recognition.
She had seen this before.
That mattered.
“What’s in your pockets?” Harlan asked.
Marcus looked at him.
“My wallet. Phone. Keys.”
“Take them out.”
“For what purpose?”
Harlan stepped closer.
“There it is.”
“What?”
“Attitude.”
Marcus nearly sighed.
He had read that word repeatedly in disciplinary files.
Attitude.
A useful word because it described nothing measurable.
“Sergeant, I am waiting for a scheduled meeting.”
“ID.”
“It’s already been verified.”
“By who?”
“Reception.”
Harlan turned.
Emily looked suddenly nervous.
“His identification checks.”
Harlan stared at her.
“You ran him?”
“No, but—”
“Then you didn’t verify anything.”
Marcus spoke.
“She viewed an official credential.”
Harlan faced him again.
“What credential?”
Marcus said nothing.
Not because he wanted conflict.
Because he wanted to see what Harlan did with uncertainty.
The sergeant made the decision quickly.
“Put your hands on the counter.”
Marcus almost asked whether Harlan was serious.
His expression provided the answer.
“You’re detaining me?”
“You want to make it an arrest?”
“No.”
“Counter.”
Marcus walked toward it.
Officer Bennett entered through the front doors as Marcus placed his hands down.
Bennett slowed.
Harlan moved behind Marcus.
“What’s going on?”
Harlan grabbed Marcus’s arm.
“Possible trespass.”
Marcus looked at Bennett.
The officer looked back.
“Did he enter secure space?”
Harlan’s jaw tightened.
“You questioning me?”
“No, Sergeant.”
“Then stand by.”
Emily said:
“He didn’t trespass.”
Harlan ignored her.
Marcus felt his wrist turn.
“Sergeant.”