She stopped.
That sentence would later appear in more than one newspaper account because Calvin's phone caught it from across the road after he came closer to the warehouse entrance.
Duncan turned to Jonah. "This is a private property matter unless there is a separate federal issue. I do not want my position used to resolve it."
Jonah nodded. "Understood."
Marissa saw an opening. "Then perhaps we can all step back and let the title process work as intended."
She extended her hand toward Duncan.
He looked at it.
She left it there for two uncomfortable seconds before lowering it.
Jonah, meanwhile, was studying Trent. Something about the security contractor's face had caught at memory. He turned slightly toward Deputy Lena Ortiz, who had come in behind him.
"Run Barlo. Full identifiers."
Trent's head lifted. "Why?"
Jonah did not answer him. "Name, date of birth."
"I am not under investigation."
"No one said you were."
"Then you do not need my date of birth."
Duncan noticed the change immediately. Trent had been willing to search and restrain a stranger minutes earlier. Now a routine identity check made him defensive.
Marissa tried to intervene. "Mr. Barlo is a licensed contractor retained by the association."
Jonah looked at her. "Then the check should be quick."
Evan quietly removed his company identification card and handed it to Ortiz without being asked. Trent did not.
Ortiz moved toward one of the SUVs and entered information through a secure terminal based on the name on Trent's jacket, the vehicle plate, and details available through the security company registration. It took less than three minutes for the first discrepancy to appear.
"Jonah," she called.
He walked over. They spoke quietly.
Trent began backing toward the edge of the loading bay.
Duncan saw it.
"Mr. Barlo," he said. "Stay where you are."