Renee moved toward the desk.
"I can check the official directory while you review the reference information."
Vanessa hesitated, then nodded reluctantly.
"Fine. Use the department system. Make sure the number is current."
Renee sat at the computer and began searching the authorized contact list. Ethan stood beside her, checking the agency name against the details Daniel had provided.
They worked quietly for a minute.
Vanessa remained standing, watching them.
Daniel waited.
Renee found a contact entry and read the information aloud.
"This is the central verification office listed in the department directory. The contact details match the agency's official listing."
Vanessa looked at the screen.
"Are you certain?"
"The listing is current according to our system."
"Does it handle credentials?"
"It directs requests to the appropriate verification unit."
Vanessa leaned closer to inspect the information.
Ethan pointed toward the contact instructions.
"It says to provide the officer's name, the credential number, and the reason for the check."
Vanessa looked at him.
"All right. I can do that."
She reached for the receiver.
Daniel sat quietly, watching the lieutenant prepare the call she could have made much earlier.
For a moment, it seemed that the situation might finally move forward without another argument.
Then Vanessa paused.
She looked at Daniel's badge again.
"One last question."
Daniel sighed softly.
"What is it?"
"Why didn't you simply give me the number yourself?"
"I gave you the agency name and my identification information."
"That isn't what I asked."
Daniel answered patiently.
"Because you are the officer conducting the verification. You have access to the department's official directory. I cannot determine which internal contact your department is required to use."
Vanessa stared at him.
"So you expect me to do all the work."
"I expect you to use the appropriate process."
"You're very good at making demands sound reasonable."
Daniel's expression remained steady.
"I'm not demanding special treatment. I'm asking for the same basic check that would establish whether any unfamiliar credential is genuine."
Renee looked at Vanessa.
"He's right about the directory, Lieutenant. Using the official contact is the safest way to document the result."
Vanessa's eyes moved toward her.
"I didn't ask you to interpret his answers."
"I'm confirming the procedure."
Vanessa took a slow breath.
"Fine."
She dialed the number Renee had found.
This time, the call connected.
A recorded message greeted her and directed callers to select the appropriate option for credential verification. Vanessa listened to the instructions, pressed the required number, and waited.
When a representative answered, she identified herself, named the precinct, and explained that she needed to verify a federal identification credential.
The representative asked for the agency name.
Vanessa supplied it.
Then came the identification details.
Vanessa looked toward Daniel.
"Full name?"
"Daniel Brooks."
"Middle initial?"
Daniel gave it.
"Credential number?"
He provided the number shown on the identification.
Vanessa repeated it carefully.
The representative asked her to confirm the spelling of the name and the location of the station. Vanessa answered both questions and waited while the information was entered.
For the first time, nobody in the room interrupted.
Ethan stood near the desk, watching the telephone.
Renee remained beside the computer, ready to record the reference information.
Daniel sat upright, his hands still cuffed in front of him.
The representative returned to the line and asked Vanessa to confirm one additional detail.
She did so.
Another pause followed.
Vanessa looked at the clock.
"How long will this take?"
The representative explained that the request was being processed and that additional confirmation might be necessary before the result could be finalized.
Vanessa's expression tightened.
"Can you at least tell me whether the information matches your records?"
The representative asked her to wait.
She listened.
Her fingers began tapping against the edge of the desk.
Daniel watched the movement.
Vanessa had finally initiated the process, but she still seemed uncomfortable with the fact that the answer would come from someone outside the room. She could provide the information and ask questions, but she could not dictate what the verification would show.
That was how the process was supposed to work.
The representative returned to the line.
"I have the initial information in front of me," the voice said. "I need to confirm one detail before I can provide a definitive response."
Vanessa straightened.
"What detail?"
The representative explained that an additional check was required.
Vanessa's eyes narrowed.
"So you cannot confirm that the badge is genuine?"
"I said the verification is not complete."
"Is the information consistent with your records or not?"