"Which indicators?"
Hughes shifted. "The way she parked. Looking around."
Wright consulted her notes. "Your report says you observed a vehicle matching a theft bulletin. We have requested the bulletin. Can you give us the agency or description?"
"I don't have that information with me."
"The dispatch logs contain no request for a stolen-vehicle check before your approach. And the available camera footage shows the minivan parking normally. Do you wish to revise your account?"
Johnson put a hand lightly on Hughes's arm. Hughes remained silent. Wright did not fill the pause. The ceiling air conditioner hummed. Outside, a phone rang twice and was answered.
"Let's discuss the search request," Wright said. "You told Ms. Sanders you smelled marijuana. Was that your only asserted basis?"
"She was acting evasive."
"Refusing consent is not evidence of a crime, Officer. What else did you observe?"
"She was sweating."
"It was unusually hot."
"She kept arguing."
"She repeatedly asked the reason for her detention. That's recorded, too."
Johnson leaned forward. "Detective, we want to be clear that an officer can investigate suspicious circumstances without knowing the outcome in advance."