“I found something.”
For the first time in several minutes, Mercer looked pleased.
“What?”
“There’s a secured compartment under the seat.”
Marcus closed his eyes briefly.
The compartment was authorized federal equipment built into the vehicle.
It held his credentials when he was off-body, plus protected documents and several controlled work items.
Mercer hurried over.
“Open it.”
“I can’t.”
“What?”
“It’s locked.”
Mercer knelt.
Marcus spoke sharply.
“Do not force that compartment.”
Mercer looked back.
“Why?”
“Because it is secured government equipment.”
Mercer smiled.
“Exactly what somebody hiding narcotics would say.”
Danner said:
“Sarge, if it’s actually government—”
“Step back.”
Mercer took a tool from the scattered kit.
Marcus raised his voice.
“For the record, I am specifically warning Sergeant Mercer not to force open a secured compartment after government registration has already been located.”
Mercer wedged the tool near the locking edge.
“Keep talking.”
The mechanism resisted.
Mercer forced harder.
Danner looked toward Marcus.
Marcus looked back.
He saw something there now.
Concern.
Not for Marcus.
For what Mercer was turning this into.
The lock finally failed.
The cover lifted.
Mercer reached inside.
His fingers closed around the black credential case.
He pulled it free.
“Got you.”