"Yes. My wallet is in my back pocket, and my ministry ID is in the center console. I also have their mother's contact information and a signed emergency care form in the folder behind the driver's seat. Tell me how you'd like me to retrieve it."
Hayes studied him for a moment, and Marquee saw the officer register the phrasing. Calm. Specific. Practiced. A man who had clearly had to prove he belonged more than once.
"Slowly take out your wallet first," Hayes said.
Marquee did. He handed over his driver's license and the church ID card. Hayes compared the names, then passed the ID to Patel, who stepped aside to call it in.
Carol hovered several feet away, still recording. "He's lying. Criminals lie all the time. He probably made that church ID on a computer."
Officer Patel looked at her sharply. "Ma'am, I already told you to stop interfering."
"I'm protecting children."
"Right now, you're frightening them."
That silenced Carol for exactly three seconds.
Hayes crouched slightly so he could see Caleb and Sophie without looming over them. "Hey, guys. Are you okay?"
Sophie wiped her cheeks. Caleb nodded, though anger had replaced fear in his eyes.
"Do you know this man?" Hayes asked.
"Yes," Caleb said quickly. "He's Pastor Brown. He watches us after school when Mom works. He's not kidnapping us. That lady just started yelling."
Sophie nodded. "He gives us sandwiches. And he makes Caleb do math. Kidnappers don't make you do math."
Officer Hayes almost smiled despite the tension. "That's a fair point."
Patel returned with her phone in hand. "Every City Nation Church has him listed as youth outreach director. Photo matches. I also reached the church office. They confirmed the program and said the Whitaker children are assigned to him today."
Marquee opened the folder from behind the seat and handed Hayes the signed form with Laura Whitaker's name, phone number, and emergency authorization. Hayes called the number on speaker. Laura answered on the second ring, breathless from work.
"This is Laura."
"Ms. Whitaker, this is Officer Daniel Hayes with Tulsa Police. Are your children Caleb and Sophie currently with a man named Marquee Brown?"
There was a sharp pause. "Yes. Why? Are they okay?"
"They are okay. We received a call from someone at the park. I just need to verify that Mr. Brown has your permission to watch them."