The sheriff remained beside his SUV, holding the phone against his ear.
"Lieutenant, I need you to explain what this is about."
Harris paused.
"Not over an unsecured line."
Granger frowned.
"She's been detained by one of my deputies."
"I am aware."
"Then you understand that we have procedures to follow."
"Yes, Sheriff. And so does the State Police."
Granger looked toward Cole.
The deputy was standing near the silver sedan, speaking to Price.
"Is there an issue with her identification?" Granger asked.
"I can't discuss operational details with you until her status is confirmed."
"Confirmed?"
"Yes."
Granger's patience was disappearing.
"Lieutenant, I run this county department. I need to know why you're calling."
Harris answered carefully.
"Because the individual you have in custody may be working in an official capacity that your department has not been informed about."
Granger's face tightened.
"May be?"
"Verify the credentials through the appropriate channel."
The call ended.
Granger stood motionless for several seconds.
Then he returned to Cole.
"Richard, I need her identification."
Cole reached into his pocket.
"I have her driver's license information."
"Not that. Anything else she has on her?"
"No."
"Did you search her vehicle?"
"Not yet."
"Good. Don't touch anything."
Cole looked confused.
"Why?"
"Just do what I'm telling you."
Granger walked toward the patrol cruiser.
Danielle looked up as he opened the door.
"Sheriff."
"Ms. Brooks, I need to ask you something."
"Go ahead."
"Are you affiliated with the State Police?"
Danielle remained silent for a moment.
"I have professional responsibilities that involve multiple law-enforcement agencies."
Granger studied her.
"That sounds like an evasive answer."
"It is an appropriate answer until my identity is formally verified."
He lowered his voice.
"Do you have identification?"
"Yes."
"Why didn't you show it to Deputy Cole?"
"Because he did not ask for it through an appropriate verification process."
Granger stared at her.
"You expect me to believe that?"
"I expect you to verify the facts."
She shifted slightly in her seat.
"May I request that my handcuffs be removed while you make those inquiries?"
Granger looked toward the restraints.
He had not personally approved the arrest.
He had simply arrived and allowed it to continue.
Now he was beginning to understand that his decision might have serious consequences.
"I'll look into it."
Danielle nodded.
"Thank you."
He closed the door.
Outside, Cole approached him.
"What's going on?"
"Did you ask her if she had official credentials?"
"No."
"Why not?"
"She didn't look like she was with the police."
Granger turned sharply.
"What does that have to do with anything?"
Cole shrugged.
"She was dressed like an ordinary driver."
Granger stared at him.
"An ordinary driver?"
"Yes."
"Richard, are you telling me you judged her professional status based on her clothes?"
Cole looked irritated.
"I'm telling you she was acting suspicious."
Granger rubbed his forehead.
He could feel the situation slipping away.
"Get me the department verification terminal."
Cole frowned.
"Here?"
"Now."
Price stepped forward.
"I can access the interagency verification portal, Sheriff."
Granger looked at him.
"Do it."
Price returned to his cruiser and opened the secure system.
He entered the necessary information.
At first, the screen displayed a pending status.
Then a notification appeared.
IDENTITY VERIFICATION REQUIRED β CONTACT STATE COMMAND.
Price looked at the screen twice.
"Sir?"
Granger approached.
"What?"
"The system is directing us to contact State Command."
Cole stepped closer.
"Why?"
Price shook his head.
"I don't know."
Granger leaned toward the monitor.
A second notification appeared.
RESTRICTED PERSONNEL RECORD. AUTHORIZED VERIFICATION ONLY.
The sheriff slowly straightened.
"Call Lieutenant Harris."
Price picked up the radio.
Before he could speak, Granger's personal phone rang again.
The caller identification displayed an unfamiliar government number.
He answered.
"Granger."
A woman's voice responded.
"This is Director Elaine Mercer with the State Police Office of Professional Standards."
Granger's expression changed immediately.
"Director?"
"Yes, Sheriff. I understand you have Danielle Brooks in custody."
"That's correct."
"Is she handcuffed?"
Granger looked toward the cruiser.
"Yes."
There was a pause.
"Has she been informed of the specific legal basis for her arrest?"
Granger did not answer.
The director continued.
"Has the arrest been reviewed by a supervisor?"
"I arrived shortly after the stop."
"That was not my question."
Granger swallowed.
"We're reviewing the circumstances."
"Good. I suggest you do so carefully."
The sheriff looked toward Cole.
"Can you tell me who she is?"
The director's voice became firm.
"Not until your department completes the verification process."
Granger tightened his grip on the phone.
"Director, with respect, I need to understand what is happening."
"You will."
The call ended.
Granger stood still.
Then he turned toward Cole.
"Get those cuffs ready to come off."
Cole stared at him.
"What?"
"Now."
"Why?"
Granger's face had lost its usual confidence.
"Because I think we've made a serious mistake."