"Doyle didn't say anything else. " "But he didn't step any closer either, and Norah noticed that small things mattered on nights like this. She'd learned that a long time ago in rooms far worse than this front yard. Watch the hands that don't move. Watch the ones who hang back.
Hutchkins raised his voice. I have the authority to investigate a reported crime. Breaking and entering is a felony. If you don't cooperate, you will be detained and searched. Search for what?
Norah asked. Whatever you stole from inside. We didn't steal anything. We live here, says you. Hutchkins motioned to two of his officers.
Move closer. If they run, stop them. The officers closed in, tightening the loose circle around the base of the porch. Vivien's hand brushed against the small security camera mounted just beside the front door. As she shifted her weight, a tiny red light blinked on, almost invisible in the dusk.
Nobody in the yard noticed. Hutchkins put one boot on the first step. The old wood groaned under his weight. The same groan Norah remembered from childhood when her father used to test that same board every fall before the first snow, checking it the way a doctor checks a pulse. Last warning, Hutchkins said, his voice low now, carrying something uglier underneath the words.
You come down willingly or all four of us bring you down. Your choice. His boot hit the second step. The wood bent under him but held. His eyes stayed locked on Norah's face the whole time.
Something almost eager in the way he climbed. I said, "Come down here, " he growled, reaching the third step. Boyd circled toward Vivien's side of the porch now, his thick frame moving with the same aggressive purpose his sergeant had. Doyle positioned himself across the walkway, cutting off any route toward the driveway. Three men forming a rough triangle around the base of the steps, closing whatever space might have been left for anyone to retreat.
Norah's voice came out clear, steady. Keep your hands visible. All of you. Hutchkins laughed sharp mocking. You giving orders now.
Real cute. You're standing on private property without consent. Norah continued, refusing to let the tremor she felt in her chest reach her voice. You have no warrant, no probable cause, and no lawful authority to detain us. Listen to her, Hutchkins said to the others, mockery dripping off every word.