Officer, you're causing a public disturbance based on an assumption. Check my identification and end this peacefully. Shut up. Rourke's fingers dug deeper into her shoulder. You'll talk when I tell you to talk.
The radio in Mercer's earpiece delivered its verdict with mechanical precision. His face shifted as he absorbed the information. He walked closer to Rourke, lowering his voice to barely above a whisper. Travis, the vehicle comes back clean. Registered to Marissa Evelyn Cole.
Same name that's on the license in her wallet. Rourke's jaw tightened, but his grip didn't loosen. That don't mean nothing. Identity theft happens every day. She could have stolen the real owner's whole life.
The VIN matches, too, Mercer continued. Registration's current. No outstanding warrants, no liens, no theft reports. Everything checks out legitimate. Marissa heard every word of their hushed conversation.
Officers, now that you've confirmed ownership, I'd like to continue with my day. Like hell you will. Roark spun her around to face the Ferrari. Smart criminals steal more than cars. They steal identities, credit histories, whole financial profiles.
Just because some computer says you're Marissa Cole, don't make it true. My dealership application is on my phone. Marissa said calmly. Ferrari of Denver keeps digital records of every purchase. The sales manager's contact information is saved in my contacts.
Call him. Roark pressed her harder against the car's door frame. Could be a fake phone with fake contacts. Could be your partner in crime pretending to be the sales manager. The crowd murmured louder as more people realized what they were witnessing.
A woman in yoga pants stepped forward, her phone camera trained on Roark's face. This is wrong, she called out. She's showing you proof and you won't even look at it. Ma'am, step back. Roark shouted without turning around.
This is police business. Marissa noticed the small blue light blinking behind her Ferrari's windshield. The security camera had activated automatically when the door opened just as it was programmed to do. She spoke loud enough for both officers to hear clearly. Officer Roark, I'm informing you that this vehicle contains a professionally installed security camera with encrypted remote backup.
Everything happening here is being recorded and uploaded to a secure server. Roark's laugh was harsh and mocking. Oh, now you're trying to scare me? Recording, huh? Like that's supposed to make me back down.