The green indicator remained active. "Is that thing recording audio, too?" he asked. "Yes," Maya said.
Mercer looked at her. "Since when?" "Before you approached the car."
Noah's attention shifted from the camera to Mercer. He knew what the answer meant. The registration check, Maya's refusal to consent, the broken windows, and the search of the passenger compartment had all been recorded. Mercer reached through the broken driver's window and removed the camera from its mount.
Maya immediately said, "If you're seizing that device, document the chain of custody." Mercer held the camera in one hand. "I know how evidence works."
"Then put it in an evidence bag and record when you took possession of it," Maya replied.
His expression hardened again. You don't give instructions here. I'm not giving you instructions. I'm making sure there is a record.
Noah looked at Mercer's empty hand and then at the camera. There was no evidence bag, no label, and no written notation. Mercer, he said. She has a point.
We should log it before anybody handles the storage. Mercer turned toward him. You can log it when we get back. That isn't the normal order.
I said, I'll handle it. Noah stopped arguing, but he watched Mercer place the dash camera on the hood of his patrol vehicle. Mercer turned back to Maya. Give me the key.
No, I'm done asking. You still haven't established lawful authority to search the trunk. Mercer walked toward her and stopped several feet away. I found restricted recording equipment in a vehicle you're refusing to let me search.
It's a dash camera. I decide what's relevant to my investigation. Maya kept her voice steady. You don't create probable cause by damaging a vehicle and then deciding the owner's objections are suspicious.
Mercer stared at her. Noah spoke before the exchange could escalate further. Mercer, we have verified ownership. There's no stolen vehicle hit.
We haven't found contraband. Mercer pointed toward the Bentley. She's been fighting every part of this stop. She answered your identification questions.
She locked the car. After you demanded a search, Mercer looked at Noah with clear irritation. You want to keep debating this on the roadside? No. I want us to have a reason for what we're doing.
Mercer turned away from him and faced Maya again. Open the trunk. I do not consent. He took another step toward her.
Put your hands behind your back. Maya did not move immediately. Am I under arrest? You're being detained while I complete the investigation.
For what specific offense? Turn around. Maya studied him for a moment, then turned without resisting and placed her hands behind her back. Mercer applied the handcuffs without tightening them excessively.
Noah watched closely. Maya looked over her shoulder. Make sure your report includes that I complied. Mercer said nothing.
He removed the Bentley remote from her coat pocket as part of the detention and walked toward the rear of the car. Noah followed. Mercer, think about this before you open that trunk. I am thinking about it.