He pulled it out.
The gold shield caught the afternoon sunlight.
CAPTAIN DENISE CARTER
FIFTEENTH PRECINCT
Reigns stared.
Miller took one step backward.
Davis whispered:
"Oh, hell."
Reigns's face changed.
But only for a second.
"Fake badge."
Denise almost admired the desperation.
"You know exactly what departmental credentials look like."
"I said fake."
"Then verify it."
Instead, Reigns grabbed her arm again.
"Now we've got impersonating an officer."
The crowd erupted.
"She's a captain!"
"Check the badge!"
"You're on camera!"
Reigns leaned close.
"You think cameras scare me?"
Denise looked him directly in the eyes.
"No."
A pause.
"But evidence should."
The Badge Didn't Save Her
A patrol cruiser entered the parking lot.
Sergeant Robert Watkins stepped out.
He scanned the crowd.
Then he saw Denise.
His expression changed instantly.
"Reigns."
The officer turned.
Watkins pointed.
"Why is Captain Carter in cuffs?"
Silence.
Reigns looked down at the badge still in his hand.
"She claims—"
"She doesn't claim anything."
Watkins walked toward him.
"That's Captain Denise Carter."
Reigns swallowed.
Watkins continued.
"Your commanding officer's commanding officer."
The color disappeared from Reigns's face.
"Remove the cuffs."
Reigns hesitated.
"Now."
The key shook slightly in his hand.
The cuffs opened.
Denise rubbed her wrists.
Red marks circled both.