He flipped it open.
The smile vanished.
Gold badge.
Photograph.
Name.
MARCUS VANCE.
SPECIAL AGENT.
FEDERAL BUREAU OF INVESTIGATION.
Danner leaned closer.
“Oh my God.”
Mercer did not move.
Marcus spoke quietly.
“Now remove the cuffs.”
Danner looked at his sergeant.
“Sarge.”
Mercer opened the credential case wider.
Examined the ID.
Checked the photograph.
Looked at Marcus.
Back at the badge.
“They can fake these.”
Marcus almost admired the desperation.
“Check the seal.”
Mercer’s hand trembled slightly.
“Anybody can buy a badge.”
“Scan the credential number through your federal liaison line.”
Danner said:
“I’ve seen federal credentials before.”
Mercer snapped:
“Be quiet.”
“They’re real.”
“Be quiet.”
Danner took one step back.
Marcus watched Mercer’s embarrassment transform.
For a moment, the sergeant had looked frightened.
Now he looked angry.
That was worse.
Marcus spoke again.
“You made a bad stop.”
Mercer looked up.
“That can still be fixed.”
The statement seemed to insult him more than any accusation could have.