Maya kept her eyes on Mercer. "I do not consent to a search of that bag."
The tow driver withdrew his hand from the saddlebag and looked toward Mercer.
Noah stepped forward. "The motorcycle is already under your control. There is no reason to open personal property without a warrant."
Mercer ignored him. "If the identification is in question, I can inspect anything attached to the vehicle that may contain ownership documents."
"You already have the registration information," Noah said. "And the return was valid."
Mercer turned toward him. "You've said that enough."
Maya remained beside the patrol cruiser with her hands cuffed in front of her. "Deputy Alvarez is correct. You have my registration information. I am telling you clearly that I do not consent to opening the saddlebag."
Mercer looked at her for a moment, then returned to the Harley. Ruth continued recording from several yards away.
Mercer examined the leather bag and found the locking mechanism near the top flap.
Noah moved closer. "Wade, leave it alone."
Mercer pulled a small tool from the tow truck equipment tray.
The driver raised both hands. "That's your decision, Deputy. I'm not touching it."
Mercer worked the tool against the lock.
Maya did not move toward him. "You can still stop," she said.
Mercer looked over his shoulder. "You sound worried."
"I'm telling you that you do not have my permission."
"That's been noted."
"No, it hasn't."
Mercer turned back to the lock and forced it open. The metal clasp snapped.
Ruth lowered her phone for a moment, then raised it again.
Noah shook his head. "You just broke into it after she refused consent."
"I heard her."
"That makes it worse."
Mercer opened the saddlebag and reached inside. Maya watched him without speaking. He removed a leather wallet and looked at it.
For the first time since the stop began, Mercer stopped moving. He opened the wallet. Inside was a federal credential card and badge. His eyes moved across the identification twice before he looked at Maya.
Noah noticed the change in his expression and walked closer. "What is it?"
Mercer did not answer. Noah looked over his shoulder. The words were clear: Federal Bureau of Investigation. Maya Williams.
Noah looked at Maya, then at the cuffs around her wrists. "You're FBI?"
Maya kept her attention on Mercer. "He opened the wallet."
Mercer stared at the credentials. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"You never asked what I did for a living."
"You knew what was happening."
"Yes."