ELENA HAYES: "I was having lunch."
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "Stop giving me that answer."
ELENA HAYES: "It is the truth."
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "Were you meeting someone?"
ELENA HAYES: "That is not relevant to the way you treated me."
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "You don't get to decide what's relevant."
ELENA HAYES: "Neither do you, without a lawful basis."
The sheriff leaned closer.
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "You think because you're wearing a nice suit and carrying a federal badge, you can walk into my county and challenge me?"
ELENA HAYES: "I haven't challenged you. I have asked you to explain your conduct."
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "You should be careful."
ELENA HAYES: "I am being careful. That's why I'm asking you to document everything."
Mercer stepped away.
He was no longer certain how to handle her.
If he released her immediately, he would have to explain why he had attacked her and seized her property.
If he continued holding her, he risked creating an even larger legal problem.
He needed advice.
He walked outside and called a number stored in his phone.
The call connected after several rings.
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Grant? What's going on?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "I have a problem."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "What kind of problem?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "A woman I questioned at the Oakwood Diner turned out to be a federal judge."
There was a long silence.
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "A federal judge?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "Elena Hayes."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "What is she doing in Bellhaven?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "That's what I'm trying to find out."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Did you bring her to the station?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "Not yet. We're still at the diner."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "What happened?"
Mercer hesitated.
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "There was an argument."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "What kind of argument?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "She was being difficult."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Grant, I'm asking what happened."
The sheriff lowered his voice.
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "I lost my temper."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "What does that mean?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "I threw her food. I slapped her."
Another silence followed.
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "You did what?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "I didn't know who she was."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "That doesn't make it better."
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "The deputy found her identification. Now the courthouse is being contacted."
Thomas exhaled sharply.
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Listen to me. Do not say anything about the Northbridge matter. Do not mention the documents or the complaints. You understand?"
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "I haven't mentioned anything."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Good. Keep it that way."
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "Why would she be interested in Northbridge?"
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "I didn't say she was."
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "But you sound worried."
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "I'm worried because you just assaulted a federal judge in a public restaurant."
Mercer looked through the window.
Elena was speaking quietly with Deputy Blake.
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "What if she already knows about the project?"
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Then we need to know exactly what she knows. Don't make this worse."
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "What do you want me to do?"
THOMAS MCALLISTER: "Stop talking about it on the phone. I'll contact you later."
The call ended.
Mercer remained outside for several seconds.
He knew Thomas McAllister had been involved in several local development projects. Northbridge Development Group was one of the largest companies operating in the county.
The company had received contracts and approvals that were difficult for smaller businesses to obtain.
Mercer had helped McAllister on several occasions.
He had also received favors in return.
For years, neither man had considered their relationship particularly dangerous.
But now the possibility of federal scrutiny had changed everything.
Mercer returned to the diner.
Owen was standing beside Elena's booth.
DEPUTY OWEN BLAKE: "Judge Hayes, the courthouse has confirmed your identity."
Elena looked up.
ELENA HAYES: "Thank you."
DEPUTY OWEN BLAKE: "They asked whether you are safe."
ELENA HAYES: "You can tell them I am physically safe at the moment, but my property is still being held."
Owen nodded.
DEPUTY OWEN BLAKE: "I'll pass that along."
Mercer approached.
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "I want to know why the federal courthouse is getting involved in a local matter."
ELENA HAYES: "Because a federal judge has been assaulted and detained by a local sheriff."
SHERIFF GRANT MERCER: "You were not detained. You were being questioned."
ELENA HAYES: "You ordered me to stand up, took my phone, searched my handbag, and prevented me from leaving."