Jessica shifted her weight and placed one hand near the holster on her duty belt.
David noticed.
His eyes briefly dropped toward her hand before returning to her face.
"Officer, I haven't done anything."
"Then you shouldn't have a problem answering a few questions."
"I don't have a problem answering questions. I have a problem with being treated like a suspect before you've even told me what you're investigating."
Jessica's jaw tightened.
"You're standing in a restricted parking area carrying a suspicious bag."
David looked around.
"Restricted?"
"Private property."
He nodded toward the building beside them.
"That's the maintenance facility. I work here."
Jessica paused.
"Who do you work for?"
"The property management company."
"Name?"
"Northbridge Facilities."
She pulled out a small notepad.
"Identification."
David didn't immediately move.
"May I ask why?"
"Because I told you to provide it."
"Is there a specific crime you're investigating?"
Jessica stared at him.
"Are you refusing to cooperate?"
David sighed.
"No. I'm asking you to explain what's happening."
She stepped closer.
"Listen carefully. I don't know who you think you are, but this conversation is going to happen on my terms."
David looked directly at her.
"That's exactly what worries me."
For a moment, neither moved.
The patrol car's headlights continued shining across the asphalt.
Jessica's hand remained near her holster.
David's right hand held the black bag.
And neither of them seemed willing to back down.
THE BAG
Jessica pointed toward the ground.
"Put it down."
David looked at the bag again.
"There's nothing dangerous in here."
"Then you won't mind showing me."
"That's not how this works."
Jessica raised her eyebrows.
"Excuse me?"
"You don't get to search someone's belongings simply because you don't like the way they look."
Her expression changed.
"Watch your attitude."
David lowered his eyes briefly.
Not because he was intimidated.
Because he was trying to decide whether continuing the conversation was worth the trouble.
He had seen this kind of confrontation before.
Different uniforms.
Different faces.
Same assumption.
People who believed that authority gave them permission to humiliate someone before establishing the facts.
David slowly raised his head.
"Officer, I'm going to give you one opportunity to handle this professionally."
Jessica almost laughed.
"One opportunity?"
"Yes."
"You think you're giving me orders?"
"No. I'm asking you to remember that I'm a human being."
Jessica's face became cold.
"Put the bag down. Now."
David did not move.
She took another step.
"Don't make me repeat myself."
David looked at her duty belt.
Then at the body camera.
Then directly into her eyes.
"Your camera is recording, correct?"
"Of course."
"Good."
He adjusted his grip on the bag.
"Then everything that's about to happen will be documented."
Jessica frowned.
"What does that mean?"