Harris raised one hand.
"Officer Reed, let her finish."
Daniel fell silent.
Emily continued.
"He also made a telephone call while I was detained. After that call, he changed his behavior and brought me into the station through a restricted entrance. I would like those events documented as well."
Captain Harris leaned back in his chair.
"You're very familiar with police procedures."
"I believe that anyone who is arrested should be able to ask what is happening to them."
"Of course."
"Then you won't object to preserving the evidence."
Harris paused.
For a moment, his expression seemed almost approving.
"That depends on what the evidence shows."
Emily met his eyes.
"Evidence doesn't change depending on who it implicates."
The captain's faint smile disappeared.
Daniel looked between them.
Harris leaned forward and lowered his voice.
"Miss Parker, I want you to understand that this department takes allegations of misconduct seriously. However, making accusations without understanding the full circumstances can create unnecessary complications."
Emily recognized the warning immediately.
It was delivered in a polished, professional tone, but the meaning was no different from Daniel's earlier threats. She was being encouraged to soften her account before anyone had formally examined the evidence.
She refused to do so.
"I'm happy to provide a statement," she said. "I want it recorded accurately."
"Naturally."
"I also want access to legal counsel before any further questioning."
Harris studied her face.
"That can be arranged."
"Good."
He nodded toward Daniel.
"Officer, remove the handcuffs."
Daniel looked startled.
"Captain?"
"You heard me."
"She's still under arrest."
"Then we will follow the appropriate procedure. Remove the cuffs."
Daniel hesitated long enough for Emily to notice.
Harris's expression became colder.
"Now, Reed."
Daniel stood and moved behind Emily's chair. His hands were not quite steady as he reached for the restraints.
Emily kept the hairpin concealed in her palm.
The cuffs clicked open.
For the first time since Daniel had approached her on the sidewalk, her hands were free.
She did not rub her wrists or make any sudden movement. She simply brought her hands forward and placed them on the table.
Daniel stepped away.
Captain Harris watched her closely.
"Better?"
"Physically, yes."
"And otherwise?"
Emily looked directly at him.
"That depends on what happens next."
Harris gave a slow nod.
"Fair enough."
He opened a folder and removed a blank statement form.
"Let's start with your name, your address, and the reason you were in this part of Westbridge today."
Emily looked at the paper.
For several seconds, she said nothing.
Then she raised her eyes.
"My name is Emily Parker."
Daniel leaned forward, listening intently.
Harris picked up his pen.
"And what do you do, Miss Parker?"
Emily held his gaze.
The question had finally arrived in a form that allowed her to answer it.
She could continue pretending to be an ordinary civilian, allowing the investigation to proceed under the existing cover. Or she could reveal enough of her identity to force the department to treat the incident differently.
The problem was that Captain Harris's presence had not reassured her.
His reaction to the request for recordings had been too careful. His language echoed Daniel's earlier attempts to control the narrative, and he had shown no surprise when Emily described the private parking lot or the phone call.
He might simply have been an experienced administrator handling a difficult complaint.
Or he might have known more than he was willing to admit.
Emily needed one final piece of information before deciding how much to reveal.
She looked at Daniel.
"Before I answer that, I have a question for Officer Reed."
Harris put down his pen.
"Go ahead."
Emily's voice remained calm.
"Did you receive instructions to arrest me before you approached me on the sidewalk?"
Daniel's face tightened.
"No."
"Did you receive instructions to watch me?"
"No."
"Then why did you check your phone immediately before approaching me?"
Daniel said nothing.
Emily turned toward Harris.
"Captain, I'd like that question included in my statement."
Harris closed the folder slowly.
"Miss Parker, I think we should pause here until counsel is available."
Emily nodded.
"Agreed."
She rose from the chair.
Daniel moved instinctively toward the door, but Harris lifted a hand to stop him.
"Let her stand."
Emily adjusted her top, brushed a strand of blonde hair away from her face, and placed the hairpin discreetly on the table beside the blank statement form.
Both men looked at it.
Daniel frowned.
"What's that?"
"A hairpin."
Harris studied the small metal object.
Emily gave him a polite smile.
"I've been trying to reach it since your officer handcuffed me."
Daniel's expression shifted as he understood what she meant.