"You're making a serious mistake."
Mitchell laughed bitterly.
"That's what they all say."
Daniel remained silent.
He had learned a long time ago that people who were desperate to demonstrate authority often revealed more about themselves than they intended.
"What's your name?" Mitchell demanded.
"Daniel Cross."
"Identification?"
Daniel glanced toward the badge clipped to his jacket.
"It's right there."
Mitchell looked at it briefly before turning away.
"Anybody can carry a badge."
"Not that one."
The officer's expression darkened.
"What did you just say?"
Daniel said nothing.
Mitchell grabbed the back of his jacket.
"I asked you a question!"
Daniel took a slow breath.
"Officer, I want you to understand something. You have not verified my identity, you haven't established probable cause, and you've already placed me in handcuffs."
Mitchell stepped closer.
"You think you know the law?"
"I know enough to recognize when someone is ignoring it."
For several seconds, neither man moved.
Then Daniel quietly tilted his head toward the small wireless earpiece hidden beneath his right ear.
"Control, this is Cross."
His voice was calm, almost emotionless.
"Initiate the secondary protocol. Confirm the vehicle's location and secure the original recording."
Mitchell immediately noticed the movement.
"Who the hell are you talking to?"
Daniel ignored him.
"Repeat. I want the original recording preserved. Nobody touches the evidence until I arrive."