Marcus struck the hood with his palms.
“Hands behind your back.”
“Sergeant, there is no need—”
“Behind your back.”
Danner moved closer.
Marcus felt the first cuff close around his wrist.
Then the second.
Too tight.
He turned his head.
“Officer Danner, please note that I am not resisting.”
Danner’s eyes met his briefly.
“I see that.”
Mercer shoved Marcus upright.
“You talk too much.”
“I am creating a record.”
“That supposed to scare me?”
“No.”
Marcus met his eyes.
“It’s supposed to make what happens next very clear.”
Mercer walked him toward the rear of the SUV.
Danner remained nearby, visibly uncomfortable.
Mercer leaned against the vehicle.
“Here’s what happens next. We find out what you’re running through my neighborhood.”
“Your neighborhood?”
“You heard me.”
Marcus looked around.
Large houses.
Quiet sidewalks.
A woman still watching from across the road.
“You said narcotics intelligence.”
“That’s right.”
“What vehicle are you looking for?”
Mercer stepped closer.
“You think you’re running this stop?”
“No.”
“Good.”
Marcus’s voice stayed calm.
“I think you should verify what you were told before you create a problem you can’t undo.”
Mercer laughed.
“Every dealer has a story.”
“I’m not a dealer.”
“You’ve got a nice SUV, nice clothes, expensive electronics. You’re driving through here at the wrong time.”