Lawrence adjusted his coat and walked closer.
"I received a report that an officer had encountered an individual impersonating a detective."
Daniel watched him carefully.
"That's an interesting description."
Lawrence ignored the comment.
"Captain Hayes, explain yourself."
Hayes looked at Daniel.
Then at Lawrence.
For the first time in his career, he seemed unable to decide which person he should obey.
Lawrence turned toward Daniel.
"Who are you?"
Daniel reached into his jacket and produced his identification wallet again.
"Daniel Cross. Federal Special Investigations."
Lawrence barely glanced at the credentials.
Then he smiled.
"Federal? That's convenient."
Daniel's expression didn't change.
"Is it?"
Lawrence stepped closer.
"You have no authority to interfere with this department without proper authorization."
Daniel nodded slowly.
"You're absolutely right."
Lawrence appeared satisfied.
"Then I suggest you release whatever information you think you have and leave."
Daniel looked at him for several seconds.
Then he said something that wiped the smile from Lawrence's face.
"I would be happy to."
He reached into his jacket and removed a small digital recorder.
"Because everything you just said is now part of an active federal investigation."
Lawrence's expression hardened.
"You're bluffing."
Daniel pressed a button.
A familiar voice emerged from the recorder.
It was Lawrence's voice.
Clear.
Unmistakable.
"Move the evidence tonight. Make sure nobody connects it to my office. And if Cross appears, make sure he never gets near headquarters."