Brett Kellen pushed open the door of Magnolia Road Diner and walked straight to the register. He unclipped the police badge from his belt and put it down hard on the wooden counter.
"Property belonging to the police department is inside this diner. Hand it over now."
Daniel Ruiz lowered his water glass. Eli Barnes shifted deeper into his booth. At the rear of the diner, Caleb Ross placed both hands on his table and watched Brett carefully.
Maya Williams dropped the cleaning rag onto the counter and faced him. "There is nothing in this diner that belongs to the police department."
Brett leaned closer. "You know exactly why I'm here."
Maya pointed toward the rules sign on the wall. "You don't have a search warrant."
Brett turned toward the front door. "Anyone who walks out that door gets their name added to the suspect list in my report."
Daniel pulled his hand away from the counter, but no one stood up.
Brett came around the end of the counter, grabbed the edge of Maya's apron, and pulled it toward him. "Empty every pocket onto the counter."
Maya pushed his hand away and stepped back without lowering her eyes. "You are unlawfully interfering with my shift."
Brett moved closer. "I'm giving you a chance to handle this problem yourself."
Maya remained where she was. "Put the badge back on your belt and leave the diner."
Brett did not respond immediately. He looked at Maya, then at the other customers.
Daniel was the first to speak. "Officer, are you saying we're being detained?"
"I didn't say that."
"Then I'm free to leave."
"Did I tell you that you weren't?"
Daniel glanced at the entrance.
Brett continued. "If department property disappears after you leave, I'll have to record your name, the time you left, and your connection to the scene. That's basic procedure."
Daniel stayed in his seat. Caleb watched Brett: the officer had not ordered Daniel to remain, but he had made leaving sound dangerous enough that Daniel chose not to move.
The kitchen door opened, and Ruth Henderson stepped behind the counter. At 68, she had owned Magnolia Road Diner long enough to recognize when a disagreement was becoming something more serious.
"Brett, are you here on official business?"
"I'm trying to keep this from becoming official business."
"That isn't what I asked."
Brett picked up his badge, held it for a moment, then placed it back on the counter. "Something from my department was brought into this building. I'm giving everyone a chance to resolve this without making the matter worse."
"What exactly are you looking for?" Ruth asked.
"That doesn't concern you."
"It concerns me if you intend to search my diner."
"I haven't searched anything."
"Then don't."
Brett looked at her. "You want inspectors taking a close look at this place because you interfered with a police matter?"
Ruth did not step aside. "Is that an official warning?"
"Friendly advice."
Maya spoke before Ruth answered. "Then make sure you write it exactly that way in your report."
Brett turned back toward her.
Caleb noticed the way Maya answered him: she did not argue emotionally, and she did not give Brett more information than necessary. Every response stayed focused on what he had actually said or done.
Brett appeared to notice the same thing. He moved away from the counter and stopped beside Daniel.
"How long have you been here?"
"Long enough to finish dinner."
"Did you see anyone give Maya something?"
"No."
"You're sure?"
"Yes."
"Were you watching the front door the entire time?"
Daniel paused. "No."
"Then you don't actually know whether someone gave her anything."
"I know what I saw."