"Where'd you get a car like this?"
She studied him.
"From a family estate."
He laughed.
"A family estate?"
"Yes."
"That's convenient."
The investigator looked toward the courthouse.
"Officer, is there a specific reason you're questioning me?"
His expression hardened.
"You match a report."
"What report?"
"A suspicious luxury vehicle."
She frowned.
"Can you explain what is suspicious about it?"
He pointed toward the grille.
"Vehicles like this get stolen all the time."
She glanced at the car.
Then back at him.
"Do you have information that this specific vehicle has been reported stolen?"
The older deputy's jaw tightened.
"That's what we're checking."
"Then I'll gladly provide the registration."
She reached slowly toward her handbag.
He stepped closer.
"Don't move."
She stopped.
The younger deputy approached from the opposite side.
For a moment, the woman felt a familiar warning rise inside her.
The deputies weren't behaving like officers calmly verifying a vehicle report.
They were behaving like men trying to provoke an argument.
She looked toward the older man's badge.
Then toward the radio attached to his shoulder.
A brief message crackled through the speaker.
She heard only part of it.
"...vehicle confirmed... proceed with hold..."
The deputy lifted the microphone.
"Copy."
Then his entire demeanor changed.
He pointed toward the Rolls-Royce.
"Step away from the vehicle."
She stared.
"I already am."
"Farther."
She took one step back.
He moved toward the driver's side door.
"What are you doing?"
"Inspecting the car."
"On what basis?"
He ignored her.
The younger deputy positioned himself nearby.
The older deputy pulled on the door handle.
It was locked.
He frowned.
"Unlock it."
The investigator remained calm.
"I need you to explain the legal basis for searching my vehicle."
His face reddened.
"Don't play lawyer with me."
She looked directly at him.
"I'm asking a simple question."
He leaned closer.
"You want to make this difficult?"
"I want to know what you're doing."
The deputy stepped back.
Then he extended his baton.
The metallic sound cut through the square.
The investigator stared.
"Officer, do not damage my car."
He smiled.