Ruth remained near the opening behind the counter. "You've made your point. Now, either tell us what you're looking for or leave."
"I already told you: department property."
"That could mean anything."
"It means something that should never have been brought here."
Maya watched him closely. "Then report it missing."
Brett turned toward her. "You think it hasn't been reported?"
"If it had been, someone on duty would be standing here with you."
Daniel looked up at that. Eli did, too. Brett noticed.
"You're making assumptions about police procedure now?" he asked.
"I'm asking why you're here alone."
"I don't owe you an explanation."
"No," Maya said. "But you're asking everyone else for one."
Brett's expression changed slightly. He turned away before answering and walked toward Daniel's seat.
"Let's make this simple: did you come here alone?"
Daniel frowned. "Yes."
"Where's your car?"
"Outside."
"What are you driving?"
Daniel hesitated. "Why does that matter?"
"I'm asking questions."
"And I'm asking why."
Brett rested one hand against the counter. "Because something belonging to the department was transferred tonight, and I'm trying to establish who could have carried it into this building."
Daniel sat straighter. "I didn't carry anything in here except my wallet and my phone."
"Can you prove that?"
Daniel stared at him. "Can you prove I need to?"
Ruth glanced toward Daniel, but he kept his attention on Brett.
Brett nodded once. "You said you're passing through Briarwood."
"That's right."
"Where are you headed?"
"Atlanta. Business." Daniel paused; Brett waited. "Insurance work."
"What kind?"
"Claims adjustment."
"So, you document property. Sometimes you photograph it when the job requires it. Store records."
Daniel's face tightened. "What exactly are you suggesting?"
"I'm not suggesting anything. I'm trying to understand why a man who works with records happens to be sitting in the same diner where department data may have been brought."
Daniel pushed his plate a few inches away. "That sounds a lot like a suggestion."
"It sounds like a question."
"No," Daniel said. "It sounds like you already decided what answer you want."
Brett studied him, then looked toward Eli. "Maybe we should ask someone who actually lives here."
Eli did not move. Brett approached his booth.
"You've been coming to this place for years—longer than you've been wearing that badge." Brett glanced toward the counter where the badge still rested. "Then you know Ruth's regulars. You know who comes and goes."
"Most of them."
"Anyone unusual tonight?"
Eli looked toward Daniel. Daniel raised his eyebrows. Eli returned his attention to Brett. "A man passing through town isn't unusual."
"Anyone else?"
"No."
"Anyone stop near the counter and leave without ordering?"
"No."