"Which means either she had legitimate access, or this is the crime of the century," Natalie replied, pressing harder on the accelerator. "Either way, we need to be there when they bring her in."
Back in the patrol car, Gerald continued his verbal assault, his prejudice becoming more blatant with each passing mile. "I bet you've got a record longer than my arm: theft, fraud, probably drugs, too. That's how it always goes with your type."
"My type?" Lydia's voice remained controlled, but there was steel beneath the calm surface.
"Don't play innocent with me. I've been cleaning up this city since before you were born. I know exactly what kind of person tries to con their way into places they don't belong."
Detective Michelle Park, still following behind, had pulled up Lydia Monroe's name in the police database. What she found made her stomach drop. The woman in Gerald's backseat wasn't just some random trespasser: according to the federal law enforcement database, Lydia Monroe held multiple security clearances and had connections to state government.
Michelle grabbed her radio. "Chief, this is Detective Park. I need to speak with you privately when we reach the station."
"Whatever you have to say, you can say it now," Gerald replied curtly.
"Sir, it's about the... that need your immediate attention."
"The only discrepancy here is between what she claims and reality," Gerald shot back. "Save your paperwork for the booking process."