Daniel looked toward Brett; Brett noticed. "I never said they were detained."
Price turned to him. "Then we agree."
Brett did not answer.
Price took out a small notebook. "Officer Kellen, start with why you came here tonight."
Brett stood straighter. "Before I answer that, I need clarification."
"On what?"
"Am I being questioned as part of a criminal investigation or an administrative inquiry?"
The diner became quieter. Price looked at him for several seconds.
Brett continued, "Because those are different matters. If this is administrative questioning related to my conduct as an officer, I want whatever representation is available under department policy. If you're treating me as a potential criminal suspect, I'm not answering questions that could expose me without counsel."
One of the younger officers glanced toward Price. She closed her notebook.
"Then don't answer yet."
Brett seemed caught off guard; Price continued: "I don't need to decide your interview status in the middle of this diner just because you want an immediate answer."
"I'm protecting my rights."
"You should."
"And department policy."
"You should protect that, too."
Brett studied her. Price opened the notebook again.
"Until I know exactly what happened here, I'm not going to force you into a statement and create another issue somebody has to untangle later."
Brett folded his arms. Price looked toward Maya. "I'll speak with Miss Williams separately."
Brett immediately said, "She's the person connected to the missing property."
Price turned her head. "I heard you."
"She has knowledge of it."
"That may matter."
"She also resisted detention."
Price's voice remained even. "Officer Kellen, if you keep answering questions I haven't asked you, I'm going to have you wait outside with another officer."
Brett stared at her. Price added, "That is not discipline. I'm separating witnesses and involved parties."
"I'm not a witness."
"I haven't decided what you are yet."
Brett stopped talking. Price approached Daniel first.
"I need your full name."
"Daniel Ruiz."
"You live in Briarwood?"
"No. I'm passing through."
"Did you know Officer Kellen before tonight?"
"No."
"Did you know Miss Williams?"
"No."
"Mr. Ross?"
"No."
"Mrs. Henderson?"
"No."
"Mr. Barnes?"
"No."
Price wrote that down. "What did you personally see when Officer Kellen entered?"
Daniel looked toward Brett; Price noticed. "Look at me, Mr. Ruiz. Don't worry about whether he agrees."
Daniel turned back. "He put his badge on the counter and said department property was inside the diner. Then he said anyone who left would have their name put on a suspect list in his report."
Brett spoke from across the room. "That is not the exact wording."
Price did not look at him. "Officer Kellen." He stopped.