Gerald preened under her praise, his chest expanding further. "Just doing my job, Mrs. Hargrove. We can't have people like this thinking they can infiltrate decent neighborhoods and prey on hardworking families. The audacity of attempting to break into the governor's safe house, of all places."
Lydia's eyebrow raised almost imperceptibly at this statement—the first crack in her composed facade—but she remained silent, though something flickered in her dark eyes that suggested Gerald's words held more significance than he realized.
Detective Michelle Park arrived at that moment, her green top and blue jacket marking her as backup, though her expression suggested reluctance rather than enthusiasm for the situation. She approached slowly, her gaze moving between Gerald's animated face and Lydia's serene expression with growing concern.
"Chief," Michelle said quietly, positioning herself slightly away from the crowd. "Perhaps we should verify this woman's identity before proceeding further. There might be some misunderstanding here."
Gerald whipped around, his face flushing red with indignation. "Misunderstanding, Detective Park? Are you questioning my judgment? I caught this woman red-handed with keys to a property that doesn't belong to her. What more verification do you need?"
Michelle glanced at Lydia, noting the quality of her clothing, the professional way she carried herself despite being handcuffed, and the complete absence of nervousness that typically accompanied guilty suspects. "I'm just suggesting we follow proper protocol, Chief. Maybe run her identification through the system before we transport her."
"The only protocol I need is common sense," Gerald snapped, his voice loud enough for the entire crowd to hear. "When someone doesn't belong somewhere and can't explain how they got keys to a secure government facility, that's called probable cause. Maybe you've forgotten your basic police training, Detective."
The public rebuke caused Michelle to step back, her cheeks burning with embarrassment. Several neighbors exchanged uncomfortable glances, recognizing the inappropriate nature of Gerald's professional correction in front of civilians. But Gerald seemed oblivious to the breach of departmental etiquette, too caught up in his role as neighborhood protector to notice his subordinate's humiliation.
Lydia Monroe finally spoke, her voice calm and measured. "I'd like to make my phone call now, please."