Across the street, a woman raised her phone.
Then another.
Within minutes, several neighbors were recording.
Marcus noticed.
He also noticed something else.
Mercer seemed pleased.
As though she had finally caught someone she believed deserved to be exposed.
What she didn't understand was that she hadn't caught a criminal.
She had created evidence.
The Radio
"You're coming downtown."
Mercer grabbed Marcus by the elbow.
Marcus stopped.
"No."
She pulled harder.
"That wasn't a request."
"Before you transport me anywhere, call your supervisor."
"I am experienced enough to handle this myself."
Marcus almost smiled.
"That is increasingly obvious."
Mercer shoved him toward the cruiser.
Officer Shaw stepped forward again.
"Mercer, seriously. Maybe run his name first."
She turned on him.
"You questioning me in front of a suspect?"
Shaw swallowed.
"I'm questioning why we haven't verified him."
Marcus looked at Shaw.
"Good question."
Mercer pointed at Marcus.
"Quiet."
Then she keyed her radio.
"Dispatch, run Marcus Bennett."
A pause.
"Date of birth?"
Marcus provided it.
Mercer repeated the information.
Silence.
Five seconds.
Ten.
Then dispatch returned.
The tone of the dispatcher had changed.
"Unit 214, confirm subject is Marcus Elijah Bennett?"
Mercer frowned.
"Affirmative."
Another pause.