“Yes.”
“How many times?”
“Twice.”
“Did he kick the side mirror?”
“Yes.”
“Did he throw your phone?”
“Yes.”
“And did Deputy Keller physically restrain you against the hood?”
“Yes.”
The prosecutor sat.
Keller’s defense attorney stood.
He was good.
Maya expected that.
“Director Williams, you were aware of a federal investigation into Clayburn County before this stop.”
“Yes.”
“You were traveling to a briefing concerning that investigation.”
“Yes.”
“You deliberately chose a conspicuous luxury vehicle.”
“No.”
The attorney paused.
“You just happened to drive an eight-hundred-thousand-dollar Rolls-Royce through the county under investigation?”
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“It belonged to my father.”
That was not expected.
The attorney shifted.
“You own other vehicles.”
“Yes.”
“And your security team advised against traveling independently.”
“They advise against many things.”
A few jurors smiled.
The judge did not.
The attorney continued:
“You knew your presence might provoke subjects of the investigation.”
“No.”
“You didn't consider it?”
“I considered they might identify federal activity.”
“So you did anticipate interaction.”
“I anticipated nothing specific.”
“Yet you did not immediately identify yourself as FBI Director.”
“No.”
“Why?”
Maya looked at him.
“Because citizens are not required to hold powerful titles to receive lawful treatment.”
The attorney frowned.
“That sounds rehearsed.”
“It is something I believe.”
“Isn't it true you allowed the encounter to continue because you wanted evidence?”
Maya thought carefully.
“I wanted to understand the basis for the stop.”
“That's not what I asked.”
“No.”
She nodded.
“After their stated reasons became inconsistent, I became concerned their conduct might relate to the ongoing investigation.”
“So you tested them.”
“I observed them.”
“You baited them.”
“No.”
“You could have ended the encounter simply by showing your credentials.”
“Possibly.”
“Instead you allowed Deputy Keller to believe you were an ordinary civilian.”
Maya looked directly at the attorney.
“I was an ordinary civilian for purposes of that traffic stop.”
Silence.
He tried another direction.
“The vehicle damage made this case far more public.”
“I did not damage the vehicle.”
“But publicity benefited the prosecution.”
“I cannot speak to prosecution strategy.”
“It benefited your reputation.”
Maya’s face changed slightly.
“My father's car was destroyed.”
The attorney paused.
Not enough.
He continued.
“You received extensive positive press.”
“Along with death threats.”
Silence.
“Did you receive death threats?”
“Yes.”
“How many?”
“I do not know.”
“More than ten?”
“Yes.”
“More than one hundred?”
“Security could answer.”
The attorney shifted again.
“Director Williams, did you hate Deputy Keller after this incident?”
The prosecutor stood.
“Objection.”
The judge considered.