Denise and Lena did the same. Now tell me what happens next. Maya said, "What happens next is I secure the case. Are you seizing it? " I'm securing it pending investigation. Those are not the same thing.
Mercer's expression tightened. You don't get to decide how I conduct a security investigation. I'm not trying to conduct it for you. I'm asking you to state what you're doing. Mercer looked toward Denise and Lena.
Identification. All three of you. Denise reached slowly toward her bag. Are we required to provide it? Mercer moved his hand toward the baton again.
Don't make any sudden movements. I told you what I was doing. Keep your hands where I can see them. Denise stopped and looked at him. You just asked for identification, and I'm telling you how to get it.
Maya kept her voice controlled. We can provide identification, but you still haven't told us whether we're being detained. Mercer ignored the question. Names? Maya answered first.
Maya Williams, Denise Carter, Lena Brooks. Mercer removed a small notebook and wrote the names down. Maya watched him. What is the incident number? There isn't one yet.
Then what emergency notification brought you here? I already answered that. No, you said you received one. I'm asking what record exists. Mercer closed the notebook.
You're very interested in paperwork. I'm interested in knowing why a police officer stopped us before we entered a courthouse and demanded possession of a sealed case. You were told why. We were told there was a security concern. We still don't know who reported it, what offense was alleged, or why you knew the case might contain corporate records.
Mercer glanced toward the case. I know enough to stop it from entering the building. Lena spoke for the first time since the body camera went dark. Was that your instruction? Mercer looked at her.
What? To stop the case from entering the building? I was told to investigate suspicious material. That's not what you just said. Mercer's tone hardened.
I suggest you stop trying to twist my words. Lena remained calm. I'm repeating them. Maya noticed Mercer's attention shift between the three women. He had tried direct orders with her, pressure with Denise, and intimidation with Lena.
None of it had produced the reaction he seemed to expect. Mercer pointed toward the case. I'm going to inspect it. Maya answered immediately. Not with our consent.
I don't need your permission. Then identify your legal authority to open it. I have reasonable security concerns. About the outside of the case, about what could be inside. Based on what information?
Mercer paused. Information I'm not required to disclose to you. Maya nodded once. Then don't disclose the source. State the nature of the allegation.
You don't get to set conditions. I'm asking whether anyone reported that this case contains contraband, stolen property, prohibited material, or anything dangerous. Mercer did not answer. Denise folded her arms. That should be simple.
Mercer looked at her. Uncross your arms. Denise stared at him. Why? Because I told you to.
Maya turned slightly toward Denise. Just keep your hands visible. Denise lowered them. Mercer gave a short nod. "Good," Denise's voice stayed even.
"Following an unnecessary order doesn't make the order necessary. " "Denise," Maya said quietly. Denise stopped. Mercer looked satisfied for a moment, then turned back to Maya. "You people seemed determined to make this difficult," Maya answered without changing her tone. We have complied with every clear instruction you've given that doesn't require surrendering unknown material without explanation.
That sounds like refusal. No, it sounds exactly like what I said. Mercer looked toward the courthouse entrance and then back at them. Here's what's going to happen. I'm taking custody of the case.
You're going to wait here while I determine whether you're involved in an unauthorized transfer of corporate material. Maya focused on one phrase. Unauthorized transfer. Yes. Who said the transfer was unauthorized?
Mercer hesitated. Maya continued. The sender. No. The owner of the material.
I'm not discussing sources. A court officer. Mercer stepped closer. I said enough. No, Sergeant.
You said a great deal. You said this involves corporate records. You said the transfer may be unauthorized. You said the case cannot enter the courthouse. Those are specific claims.
Mercer's jaw tightened. Lena looked again at the dark body camera indicator. And none of them are being recorded. Mercer turned toward her for the first time. He looked genuinely surprised.
Lena continued. Your camera was on when you approached us. It isn't now. It malfunctioned. That's what happened.
Yes. Lena nodded. Understood. Something about the way she said it made Mercer uneasy. He reached toward the case.
Maya spoke before he touched it. If you take possession, document the condition of the seal first. I know how evidence works. Then there shouldn't be a problem. Mercer crouched slightly, examined the case without lifting it, and stood again.
Seal appears intact, he said. Maya looked at him. Put that in your notes. Mercer gave her a cold stare. You really don't know when to stop.
I know exactly when to stop. I stop when the legal question is answered. There is no legal question. There is always a legal question when the government takes someone's property. Mercer reached for his radio.