He also knew that verifying a visitor's credentials was a routine administrative step.
Daniel looked toward the wall-mounted directory, where the duty supervisor's office number was listed. He considered suggesting that they make the call himself.
Then he looked at Ryan.
The older officer was already watching him.
DANIEL HAYES:
"Officer Cole, I can check whether the watch commander is available."
RYAN COLE:
"Did I ask you to get involved?"
Daniel stopped moving.
DANIEL HAYES:
"No, sir."
RYAN COLE:
"Then stay at your station."
The young officer lowered his eyes and returned to his computer. His fingers moved across the keyboard, although he had forgotten what he had originally intended to type.
Maya noticed the exchange. She did not interrupt it, but something in her expression changed. She had encountered workplaces where junior employees were discouraged from asking questions. She knew how quickly a culture of silence could develop when people learned that speaking up was more dangerous than remaining uninvolved.
Still, she had not come to Westbridge to investigate the personalities of its employees.
Her immediate responsibility was to establish contact with the appropriate supervisor and deliver the information she had brought.
MAYA CARTER:
"I understand that you have responsibilities here. I have responsibilities too. Let's verify my credentials and contact the person who can authorize the next step."
RYAN COLE:
"You keep repeating that word as if it settles everything."
MAYA CARTER:
"Verification settles questions about identity. It doesn't settle the investigation. That's why we need the supervisor."
Ryan gave a short laugh and looked around the lobby.
Two detectives had stopped talking beside a filing cabinet. A uniformed officer near the hallway pretended to read a notice posted on the wall. Daniel remained behind the counter, concentrating on his monitor with an intensity that made it obvious he was listening to every word.
Ryan noticed the audience and straightened his posture.
RYAN COLE:
"Listen carefully. This is a municipal police department, not a federal office. We have procedures for visitors, and we don't change them because somebody arrives carrying an impressive-looking wallet."
MAYA CARTER:
"I'm not asking you to change a procedure. I'm asking you to use it."
For several seconds, the two stood facing one another.
Maya could hear the telephone ringing again behind the counter. Somewhere deeper inside the building, a door opened and closed. The ordinary sounds of the precinct continued around them, creating a strange contrast with the tension gathering beside the reception desk.
Ryan finally extended his hand toward the identification wallet.
RYAN COLE:
"Let me see it."
Maya opened the wallet and presented her credentials so that he could examine them.
He glanced at the photograph, then at the identifying information printed beneath it. His eyes moved quickly over the lettering before returning to Maya's face.
Instead of checking the credentials through the department's established verification channel, he closed the wallet and handed it back with a dismissive gesture.
RYAN COLE:
"That doesn't tell me why you're here."
MAYA CARTER:
"I can explain the purpose of my visit to the supervising officer. Some details aren't appropriate for a public conversation."
RYAN COLE:
"So now you have secrets?"
MAYA CARTER:
"It's a restricted investigation. That's different from a secret."
Ryan stepped away from the counter and positioned himself between Maya and the corridor leading toward the administrative offices.
The movement was subtle, but its purpose was unmistakable. He was making it difficult for her to proceed without directly challenging him.
Maya looked toward the corridor, then back at Ryan.
She did not attempt to push past him.
MAYA CARTER:
"Are you instructing me not to proceed to the supervisor's office?"
RYAN COLE:
"I'm instructing you to stop acting like you run this place."
MAYA CARTER:
"I don't run this place. That's why I've asked to speak with the person who does."
A detective near the filing cabinet briefly lowered his head, concealing an expression that might have been amusement or discomfort. Daniel pressed his lips together and continued staring at his screen.
Ryan's face grew darker.
He had expected Maya to become defensive by now. He had expected an argument that would allow him to portray her as unreasonable, perhaps even to ask another officer to escort her outside.
Instead, she continued speaking as though the disagreement could still be resolved through ordinary professional conduct.
He found that increasingly difficult to tolerate.
RYAN COLE:
"You've been standing here arguing with me for nearly half an hour. What exactly makes you think your time is more important than everybody else's?"