Real convincing props. Where'd you buy them? Internet? Some costume shop?
Maya's voice stayed level. Call the FBI field office. Verify our credentials. Could be stolen, Pike continued, ignoring her completely.
Could be fake. Could be anything. Criminals carry all kinds of fake identification. Naomi pulled out her phone, fingers moving across the screen.
FBI Washington field office. Area code 202. Phone number 2782000. Ask for Agent Patricia Williams.
Assistant special agent in charge. She'll verify our employment status immediately. Pike's jaw worked like he was chewing something bitter. I'm not calling anyone based on your word.
You're both under detention until we verify who you really are. Then make the verification call, Maya said. Pike reached for his radio instead. His thumb pressed the transmit button with deliberate force.
Dispatch, this is Sergeant Pike. I need Lieutenant Keller at my location immediately. Priority response. Naomi's eyebrows rose.
You're calling your lieutenant instead of the FBI field office. Pike clipped the radio back to his belt, satisfaction creeping across his face. Lieutenant Keller handles all verification procedures for this precinct. He'll know what to do with fake federal credentials.
Pike paced beside his patrol car, the phone pressed tight against his ear. His voice carried across the yard in harsh whispers, but the words were lost in the distance. The other three officers maintained their positions around the porch, creating a loose perimeter that kept the twins isolated. Cole shifted uncomfortably, his eyes moving between the FBI badges still visible in the twins' hands and Pike's agitated phone conversation.
The afternoon sun beat down on his uniform, sweat gathering under his collar despite the cool October air. Sergeant, Cole called out, his voice tentative. Maybe we should verify through dispatch. "Standard procedure for federal credentials is—" Pike's head snapped toward him, the phone still against his ear.
His free hand slashed through the air in a cutting gesture that silenced Cole immediately. Pike's eyes held a warning that needed no words. Speak again and face consequences. Cole's mouth closed with an almost audible click.
He looked down at his boots, jaw working silently. Shaw moved closer to the porch steps, his phone appearing in his hands. The camera lens focused on Maya's opened credential case. Hey.
Maya pulled the badge back against her chest. What do you think you're doing? Shaw grinned without humor. Documenting evidence.
These fake badges are going to look real nice in the police report. He raised the phone again, trying to get a clear shot of Naomi's credentials. Naomi turned her body, shielding the identification from his camera. Those are official federal documents, she said firmly.