Marcus produced a federal identification card and held it out.
Miller glanced at the card.
He did not recognize the office designation.
He turned it slightly, examining the photograph and security markings.
MILLER: "What exactly do you do?"
MARCUS: "I'm responsible for reviewing the movement and accountability of military logistics assets."
Miller looked at him again.
"Are you military?"
"Yes."
The deputy returned the card.
"Do you have permission to be on this property?"
Marcus opened the folder.
"The facility is listed for an authorized federal inspection. I can provide the relevant documentation."
Miller looked at the papers.
He seemed uncertain.
MILLER: "I'm going to need you to wait here."
MARCUS: "That's fine. But I want the equipment transfer documented before the truck leaves."
Miller turned toward the loading area.
The utility truck was no longer there.
Only the two workers remained.
MILLER: "Where did the truck go?"
One worker shrugged.
WORKER: "It left."
Marcus looked at the deputy.
"That is exactly why I asked you to document the equipment."
Miller took a breath.
"Sir, I need you to keep your voice down."
Marcus stared at him.
"My voice is perfectly normal."
The deputy appeared uncomfortable.
He spoke into his radio.
"Dispatch, this is unit twelve. I'm at the old transportation depot. I need a supervisor."
A voice answered.
"Copy, unit twelve. Supervisor en route."
Marcus looked toward the road.
He knew the situation was becoming unnecessarily complicated.
He could have contacted his command immediately.
He could have requested a military liaison.
But he wanted the local authorities to handle the matter according to ordinary procedures.
He had no intention of using his rank to force anyone into a decision.
He simply wanted the missing equipment accounted for.
Five minutes later, a black sheriff's SUV entered the parking lot.
The driver stepped out.
Sheriff Raymond Wallace was fifty-six years old, with short gray hair, a broad face, and a tan uniform decorated with a gold badge.
He had served Redhaven County for nearly twenty years.
He was accustomed to being recognized wherever he went.
People usually stepped aside when he entered a room.
He approached Marcus without looking at the documents in Miller's hand.
SHERIFF WALLACE: "What's the problem here?"
MILLER: "We received a disturbance report. This man says he's conducting a federal inspection."
Wallace looked at Marcus.
"Federal inspection?"
MARCUS: "That's correct."
The sheriff gave a short laugh.
"At an abandoned transportation depot?"
"The facility is still listed as an active government asset."
Wallace looked toward the building.
Then he turned back.
"Who gave you permission to come onto this property?"
Marcus held up the folder.
"The authorization is in these documents."
Wallace did not take it.
"I asked who gave you permission."
Marcus answered calmly.
"The federal office responsible for the inspection."
The sheriff's expression changed.
"You're telling me you can just walk around this county and inspect whatever you want?"
"No. I'm telling you that this particular facility is part of an authorized review."
Wallace looked at Miller.
"Did you verify any of this?"
Miller hesitated.
"He showed me a federal identification card."
The sheriff turned toward Marcus.
"Let me see it."
Marcus handed him the card.
Wallace examined it briefly.
He looked at the photograph.
Then at the identification number.
He did not understand the military designation, but he was unwilling to admit that.
SHERIFF WALLACE: "This doesn't tell me what you're doing here."
MARCUS: "The accompanying documents explain the purpose of my visit."
Wallace handed the card back.
"I don't care what your documents say. This is my county."
Marcus looked directly at him.
"Your county does not change the ownership status of federal property."
Miller glanced at the sheriff.
The comment had clearly irritated Wallace.
SHERIFF WALLACE: "You need to watch how you speak to me."
MARCUS: "I'm speaking respectfully. I'm asking you to verify the authorization before allowing equipment to be removed."
Wallace stepped closer.
"You don't give me instructions."
"I'm not giving you instructions. I'm explaining why I am here."
The sheriff looked at the document case.
"What's inside?"
"Inspection records."
"Open it."
Marcus did not move.
"Do you have a legal basis to search it?"
Wallace's expression hardened.
"You're making this difficult."
MARCUS: "I'm asking you to follow the correct procedure."
The sheriff turned toward Miller.
"Did you hear that?"
Miller remained silent.
Wallace looked back at Marcus.
"All right. Here's what's going to happen. You're going to step away from the vehicle, put the case on the ground, and answer my questions."
Marcus considered his options.
He did not want the situation to escalate.
But he also knew that the inspection records contained sensitive information.
He placed the case carefully on the hood of his car.
Then he stepped away.
SHERIFF WALLACE: "Hands where I can see them."
Marcus raised his hands slightly.
MARCUS: "I am cooperating. I would like to know whether I am being detained."
Wallace looked at him.
"You are interfering with an investigation."
MARCUS: "What investigation?"
"That's what we're trying to determine."
Marcus shook his head slightly.
"Then I suggest you begin by identifying the person who reported the disturbance."
The sheriff's face turned red.
SHERIFF WALLACE: "Turn around."
Marcus remained still.
"Am I under arrest?"
"Turn around now."
Miller stepped closer.
MILLER: "Sir, just cooperate."
Marcus looked at the young deputy.