"You're going to step away from the counter."
"No."
"That wasn't a request."
"Then say clearly that you're ordering me to move." Brett paused. Maya continued. "And tell me under what authority."
"You're interfering with an investigation."
"What investigation?"
"Recovery of department property."
"Case number?"
Brett's face tightened. "Move."
"Am I detained?"
He did not answer.
"Am I under arrest?"
"No one said you were under arrest."
"Then don't put your hands on me."
Brett moved behind the counter. Maya stepped into his path.
"You need to leave this area."
"You don't give me orders. I work here. You don't."
Brett reached for the side of her apron and caught her upper arm as he tried to move her aside. Maya immediately pushed his hand away.
"Take your hand off me."
Brett reached again, firmer this time. "Stop resisting."
Maya did not struggle; she stayed exactly where she was. "I'm standing still."
Daniel looked toward Eli. Ruth's expression changed. Even Brett seemed to realize how the words sounded, but he did not release Maya.
At the rear booth, Caleb stood. "Officer."
Brett turned his head. "Sit down."
Caleb remained beside the table. "She told you to let go."
"This is police business."
"You haven't said she's under arrest."
"I don't have to explain procedure to you."
"No," Caleb said. "But you do have to decide whether you're giving her an order or just using your badge to make her obey."
Brett released Maya's arm and faced him. "You interfering with me?"
Caleb kept his hands visible. "I haven't moved toward you."
"Then don't."
"I'm not planning to."
Brett pointed toward the booth. "Sit down."
Caleb did not. Maya watched both men.
Brett turned back toward her. "Stay where you are."
Maya reached toward the phone beside the register. Brett saw the movement.
"Who are you calling?"
Maya's hand stopped just above the phone. "Someone else."
"Who?"
"Someone who isn't you."
Brett stepped between her and the phone. Maya looked directly at him.
"Brett, move."
The use of his first name changed the room: Daniel looked at Maya; Ruth did, too. Until then, no one had known how well she knew him.
Brett's attention narrowed. "You don't want to do this."
Maya kept her hand near the phone. "You came into this diner. You made it everyone's problem."
She reached again; Brett blocked her hand. Maya pulled back and looked at him.
"Do not touch me again."