A sedan pulled into the parking area near the convenience store. Ruth Walker, a 67-year-old retired nurse, got out carrying a small grocery bag. She noticed the patrol cruiser first, then Maya standing in handcuffs beside the damaged Harley. Ruth stopped.
Mercer was holding his phone toward the motorcycle and taking photographs. He photographed the dented tank, the broken headlight, and the damaged area around the identification number.
Maya watched him carefully.
Mercer dictated notes while looking at the motorcycle: "Vehicle displays substantial pre-existing damage to lighting assembly, fuel tank, and engine identification area."
Noah stepped toward him. "Pre-existing?"
Mercer lowered the phone. "That's what I said."
"You caused most of that damage."
"I inspected the vehicle."
"You hit it with a baton."
Mercer turned fully toward him. "Do you want to write the report?"
"I want the report to say what happened."
"I'm the senior deputy here. I'll handle it."
Noah looked at the motorcycle again. "Then put in the report that the identification came back valid before you hit the engine case."
Mercer's expression hardened. "Go check the cruiser."
"For what?"
"Anything. Just get away from me for a minute."
Noah did not move immediately, but he eventually walked toward the patrol car.
Maya spoke calmly. "You described the damage as pre-existing."
Mercer looked at her. "We already went over this."
"I want to make sure your position has not changed."
"It hasn't."
"So, the headlight was broken before you arrived?"
"Yes."
"And the fuel tank was already dented?"
"That's what I observed."
Maya nodded once. "Understood."
Ruth had moved closer, stopping several yards away. She set her grocery bag inside her car and took out her phone.
Mercer noticed. "Ma'am, keep moving."
Ruth looked at him. "I'm not blocking anything."
"This is an active police investigation."
"I understand."
"Then leave."
Ruth raised her phone. "Am I breaking a law by standing here?"