This is now a police matter. The manager, a thin man in his 50s wearing a hotel uniform, approached nervously. "Captain, we have security cameras throughout the public areas, including this ballroom. The footage is stored on our digital system. I'm ordering you to surrender all recordings from the past 2 hours directly to my department," Pike said.
"No copies are to be made for any other parties. " The manager glanced uncertainly at Dalton. Sir, we normally require a warrant for this is an active investigation involving potential federal obstruction of justice. Pike interrupted. Time is critical. I need those recordings now.
Dalton stepped between Pike and the hotel manager. "Actually, sir, you'll need to make copies for federal review as well. " This involves potential civil rights violations by local officers. "Absolutely not," Pike snapped. My department has jurisdiction here. Your department created the incident, Dalton replied evenly.
Federal agents have equal right to preserve evidence of potential misconduct. While they argued, Marcus remained handcuffed near the altar where this had all begun. The metal bit into his wrists and his shoulders achd from having his arms forced behind his back for so long. But his mind was working through the implications of Pike's actions. Pike wasn't just covering for Briggs anymore.
He was actively trying to control the evidence. The hotel cameras had recorded everything from Briggs arrival to his explicit admission about targeting the jacket. If Pike got exclusive access to those recordings, they might disappear entirely. Elena approached Pike directly, her prosecutor training evident in every word. Captain Pike, I need you to state clearly why my fiance remains in custody.
What specific crime are you charging him with? Pike's jaw tightened. Identity fraud, impersonating a federal officer, interfering with a police investigation. And what evidence supports those charges? The investigation is ongoing.
That's not an answer, Elena pressed. You need probable cause to maintain custody. What evidence do you have that Marcus committed identity fraud? Pike looked around the ballroom at the 30 federal agents still standing throughout the room. The fact that he's surrounded by people claiming to be federal agents doesn't prove anything.
Anyone can buy a fake badge. Agent Morrison spoke up from near the entrance. Captain, I can verify Agent Hail's credentials through federal databases. If you, you'll verify nothing, Pike cut him off. This is a local matter now.
Marcus watched Pike's movements carefully. The captain kept glancing toward Marcus's wedding jacket, which lay crumpled on a nearby chair where Briggs had thrown it during the struggle. Pike's eyes also tracked to Marcus's phone, still sitting on the floor where it had fallen when the cuffs went on. Those weren't random glances. Pike wanted those items specifically.