For several seconds, he simply stared.
His partner frowned.
“What?”
The officer did not answer.
“What is it?”
The second man grabbed the leather case.
Then he froze too.
Inside was a badge.
Beside it was government identification bearing Victoria’s photograph and full name.
The words beneath it were unmistakable.
INTERNAL AFFAIRS.
Neither officer spoke.
Victoria remained handcuffed against the vehicle.
The first officer looked at the identification.
Then at her.
Then back at the identification.
“You’re…”
“Yes.”
His face lost color.
The second officer read the credentials again as though hoping the words would change.
Victoria finally turned enough to look at them.
“I asked you why I was stopped.”
Neither answered.
“I asked for your identification.”
Silence.
“I complied with your instructions.”
The first officer immediately reached for the handcuffs.
“Ma’am, there’s clearly been a misunderstanding.”
Victoria gave him a long look.
“A misunderstanding?”
“We received information about a suspicious vehicle.”
“What information?”
He hesitated.
His partner jumped in.
