Daniel's voice remained controlled. He spoke clearly, without stumbling over his words or looking around for help. His confidence appeared to irritate Miller more than an angry outburst would have.
People who believed they had complete control over a situation often expected fear from the person standing in front of them.
Daniel gave him none.
Miller lowered the bag slightly and studied the traveler more carefully.
OFFICER MILLER: "You seem very comfortable for someone who has just been caught with something he shouldn't have."
DANIEL BROOKS: "And you seem very comfortable accusing someone without explaining what happened."
OFFICER MILLER: "We don't need to explain every step of an investigation to you."
DANIEL BROOKS: "You will need to explain every step you took today."
For a moment, neither man spoke.
The overhead ventilation hummed above them. A distant announcement echoed through the terminal, followed by the rolling sound of luggage crossing the polished floor.
Miller looked toward Ryan.
It was a small movement, lasting less than a second, but Daniel noticed it.
The younger officer returned the glance.
Something passed between them that had nothing to do with the words they had exchanged.
Daniel slowly lowered his hand.
DANIEL BROOKS: "I want the inspection recorded. I want the evidence preserved, and I want every person who handled that suitcase identified."
OFFICER MILLER: "You don't give the instructions here."
DANIEL BROOKS: "I'm not giving you instructions. I'm telling you what will need to be accounted for."
Miller's jaw tightened.
He had expected resistance, perhaps even a loud argument. That would have made the encounter easier to control. He could have described Daniel as hostile, uncooperative, or unwilling to follow directions.
Instead, Daniel was choosing his words carefully.
Every sentence was deliberate.
Every movement was measured.
And the more Miller attempted to intimidate him, the more obvious it became that Daniel was not going to react the way he wanted.
Miller placed the evidence bag on the table and turned toward the suitcase again.
OFFICER MILLER: "Let's start with the obvious. Is this your luggage?"
DANIEL BROOKS: "Yes."
OFFICER MILLER: "Did you pack it yourself?"
DANIEL BROOKS: "Yes."
OFFICER MILLER: "Has anyone else had access to it?"
DANIEL BROOKS: "Not in the way you're suggesting."
OFFICER MILLER: "That's not an answer."
DANIEL BROOKS: "It's the answer to the question you actually asked."
Ryan looked down briefly.
Miller stared at Daniel, visibly displeased by the response.
OFFICER MILLER: "You think you're clever?"
DANIEL BROOKS: "I think the facts matter."
OFFICER MILLER: "The facts are sitting right there."
DANIEL BROOKS: "Then you shouldn't have a problem showing exactly where they came from."
The officer's expression grew colder.
He picked up the transparent bag again and held it between them.
OFFICER MILLER: "This was recovered from your suitcase. That's what the report will say."
DANIEL BROOKS: "Your report doesn't change what happened."
OFFICER MILLER: "You should be careful about accusing an officer of misconduct."
DANIEL BROOKS: "You should be careful about creating evidence against an innocent person."
Ryan finally intervened.
OFFICER RYAN: "Miller, maybe we should move this along."
Miller turned his head sharply.
OFFICER MILLER: "I've got it under control."
OFFICER RYAN: "I'm just saying we've got people waiting."
OFFICER MILLER: "Then they can wait."
Ryan said nothing more.
Daniel observed the exchange without commenting. He could see the tension in Ryan's shoulders and the way the younger officer avoided looking directly at the evidence bag for too long.
Miller, however, seemed determined to push forward.
He turned back to Daniel and extended his hand toward the traveler's identification.
OFFICER MILLER: "Identification. Now."
Daniel reached into his pocket slowly and removed his wallet. He opened it, took out his identification, and placed it on the table rather than handing it directly to the officer.
Miller picked it up.
He examined the card, then glanced at Daniel's face.
OFFICER MILLER: "Daniel Brooks."
DANIEL BROOKS: "That's correct."
OFFICER MILLER: "Where are you traveling today?"
DANIEL BROOKS: "Washington."
OFFICER MILLER: "What business do you have there?"
DANIEL BROOKS: "A meeting."
OFFICER MILLER: "With whom?"
DANIEL BROOKS: "Someone who is expecting me."
Miller let out a short, humorless laugh.
OFFICER MILLER: "You understand how suspicious this looks, don't you? You're being questioned about narcotics, and you want to give us vague answers."
DANIEL BROOKS: "I've answered your questions. You can ask another if you have one."