Army investigator. You lady, I've seen plenty of military cops. They don't drive around in expensive trucks wearing designer clothes.
My credentials will verify everything I've told you. Oh, I bet they will. Voss stepped closer, his voice dropping to a mocking whisper.
You can buy convincing fake badges online these days. Real convincing ones. Some people think a shiny piece of metal makes them untouchable.
Danielle felt heat rising in her chest, but her expression never changed. Officer Voss, you're interfering with a federal investigation. I suggest you verify my authority and step aside.
Verify? Voss's laugh turned harsh. Yeah, let's do that.
Hand over this badge you're so proud of. Danielle hesitated. Something in his tone set off every alarm bell her 20 years of investigative experience had installed.
I'd prefer to show you the credentials without releasing them. I didn't ask what you'd prefer. Voss's hand moved to his handcuffs.
I'm ordering you to hand over that badge right now. Danielle slowly reached inside her jacket and withdrew the leather credential wallet. The gold shield gleamed in the morning light, its federal seal clearly visible.
Officer, this is federal property. Do not damage it. Voss snatched the wallet from her hands before she could react.
He flipped it open, studying the badge and identification card with exaggerated care. "Special Agent Danielle Cross," he read aloud, his voice dripping with mockery. "US Army Criminal Investigation Division." He looked up at her with a cruel smile.
"Real? Impressive." "My badge number is documented through federal channels," Danielle said quietly. Any damage to that credential is a federal crime.
Is that right? Voss turned the wallet over in his hands, examining every edge. Then, without warning, he bent it backward.
The leather creaked under the pressure. Officer, don't. Snap.
The metal badge broke cleanly in half, the federal seal splitting down the middle. The pieces fell to the pavement between them with soft metallic clicks. Danielle stared at the broken badge lying at her feet.
When she looked up, her voice was deadly quiet. You just made a very serious mistake. Voss's face flushed red.
The only mistake here is you thinking you could intimidate me with some fake federal badge. He grabbed her arm roughly, spinning her toward the SUV. You're under arrest for impersonating a federal agent.
Cold metal clicked around her wrists as the handcuffs locked into place. Voss keyed his radio. Dispatch, this is unit 7.