The Man Behind the Gate
Deputy Chief Marcus Bennett had been standing outside the wrought-iron gates of the Whitmore estate for less than three minutes when Officer Diane Mercer decided he was a fraud.
It was an unusually warm afternoon in Buckhead, and the late sunlight reflected off the polished black hood of Marcus's sedan.
He stood beside the driver's door, holding a leather portfolio beneath one arm.
At forty-eight, Marcus carried himself with the quiet confidence of a man who had spent more than two decades learning how to remain calm when everyone else was losing theirs.
He was tall, athletic, and impeccably dressed in a dark navy command uniform.
Gold insignia rested neatly against his collar.
Service ribbons crossed his chest.
A polished badge reflected the afternoon sun.
And on each shoulder were the three stars identifying his rank.
Deputy Chief.
Near the top of Atlanta Metropolitan Police leadership.
Marcus had been invited to the Whitmore estate for a private meeting with retired businessman Harold Whitmore concerning a major neighborhood-security initiative involving several city precincts.
Two uniformed officers were already stationed near the gate.
Everything was routine.
Until Officer Diane Mercer arrived.
Her patrol cruiser stopped sharply behind Marcus's sedan.
The driver's door opened.
Mercer stepped out.
She was fifty-six, heavyset, with short copper-red hair and an expression that seemed permanently carved into suspicion.
She looked at Marcus.
Then his uniform.
Then his badge.
Then his face.
Her eyes narrowed.
"That uniform's fake."
Marcus turned slowly.
"I'm sorry?"
Mercer marched toward him.
"Take it off before I arrest you for impersonating a police officer."
The two officers near the gate exchanged uncomfortable glances.
Marcus didn't move.
He had learned long ago that reacting emotionally to an accusation only gave the accuser control.
"I'm Deputy Chief Marcus Bennett," he said.
Mercer laughed.
"Sure you are."
She pointed at his shoulders.
"Those stars are fake."
Marcus looked down at them briefly.
Then back at her.
"Officer, I'd recommend verifying my credentials before making any further assumptions."
"Don't tell me how to do my job."
"I'm not."
"You are."
Marcus remained calm.
"Then verify them."