One of the tactical operators approached the edge of the road and raised a hand, signaling the others to hold their positions.
The team did not rush toward Simone. They established a controlled perimeter and observed the situation.
Their attention was focused on the armed officer.
Kessler looked from one operator to another.
WADE KESSLER:
“I'm a state law enforcement officer! You can't just show up here and interfere with my investigation!”
A tall operator stepped forward.
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“Sir, remain where you are. Keep your movements visible.”
Kessler looked offended.
WADE KESSLER:
“I know exactly what I'm doing. This is a local police matter.”
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“We are aware of your position. Follow the instructions.”
Kessler glanced at Simone.
WADE KESSLER:
“Did you call these people?”
Simone did not answer immediately.
She looked at the tactical team, then back at the officer.
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“You were given several opportunities to handle this properly.”
WADE KESSLER:
“I don't know what you're talking about.”
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“That's becoming difficult to believe.”
The team leader moved slightly to the side, maintaining a clear view of Kessler's hands.
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“Ma'am, are you injured?”
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“No. I'm safe at the moment.”
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“Understood. Please remain where you are while we secure the immediate area.”
Kessler's expression changed when he heard the operator address Simone with such obvious respect.
He looked at her again.
WADE KESSLER:
“Why are they calling you ma'am?”
Simone looked directly at him.
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“Because they know who they're speaking to.”
The words made Kessler uncomfortable.
He tried to regain his composure.
WADE KESSLER:
“This is getting out of hand. I stopped a vehicle because I had reason to investigate. That's all.”
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“Then you should have no difficulty explaining the reason.”
WADE KESSLER:
“I already told you.”
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“No. You threatened me, questioned my father, and refused to identify the information that supposedly justified this stop.”
The team leader looked toward Kessler.
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“Officer, what is the basis for your detention?”
Kessler hesitated.
WADE KESSLER:
“Suspicious activity.”
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“What specific activity?”
WADE KESSLER:
“I don't have to explain every detail to you.”
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“You will need to explain your actions through the appropriate channels.”
Kessler shook his head.
WADE KESSLER:
“This is unbelievable.”
Marcus stepped slightly closer to Simone.
MARCUS HARTWELL:
“I told him we were simply driving home. He wouldn't listen.”
One of the operators acknowledged Marcus.
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“Sir, are you injured?”
MARCUS HARTWELL:
“No. I'm just trying to understand why this is happening.”
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“Dad, stay beside me.”
Marcus nodded.
The team leader turned toward Simone again.
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“Your identity has been confirmed. The emergency transmission reached our operations center.”
Kessler heard the word identity.
WADE KESSLER:
“What identity?”
The team leader did not respond to him.
Instead, he looked at Simone.
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“We also received the preliminary audio and location data.”
Simone nodded.
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“Was the recording preserved?”
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“Yes. The original transmission has been secured.”
Kessler's expression hardened.
WADE KESSLER:
“What recording?”
Simone looked at him.
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“The conversation you have been having since you arrived.”
Kessler glanced toward her wrist.
Only then did he notice the black tactical watch.
It looked ordinary.
There was no obvious display, no large antenna, and no visible sign that it could transmit anything beyond the functions of a conventional watch.
He had noticed it earlier, but he had not considered it important.
Now he looked at it with growing suspicion.
WADE KESSLER:
“What is that thing?”
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“My watch.”
WADE KESSLER:
“Don't give me that. What kind of equipment are you carrying?”
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“The kind you should have considered before making assumptions.”
Kessler stared at the device.
WADE KESSLER:
“You were recording me?”
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“You were speaking openly.”
WADE KESSLER:
“You can't record a police officer without permission!”
The team leader looked toward him.
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“That question can be addressed through the appropriate legal process. For now, we need you to follow instructions.”
Kessler looked increasingly frustrated.
He had expected the arrival of another local officer or perhaps a supervisor who could confirm his version of events.
Instead, an entire tactical team had arrived.
They were not asking him for permission.
They were asking him to account for his actions.
And they appeared to know more about Simone than he did.
He looked toward the highway.
The second tactical vehicle had stopped behind the first. Two additional operators were standing near it, monitoring the surrounding area.
Kessler swallowed.
WADE KESSLER:
“Who exactly are you people?”
TACTICAL TEAM LEADER:
“Federal personnel.”
WADE KESSLER:
“Federal what?”
The team leader did not elaborate.
Kessler turned toward Simone.
WADE KESSLER:
“Are you some kind of federal agent?”
Simone's expression remained neutral.
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“You should have asked for identification before you pointed a weapon at me.”
WADE KESSLER:
“You're avoiding the question.”
SIMONE HARTWELL:
“You avoided every reasonable question I asked.”
The tactical team leader raised one hand slightly.