You need to explain your authority here. This is a private ceremony on private property. " Briggs laughed. It was a cold mocking sound that echoed off the ballroom walls. "Federal prosecutor, right? And I suppose he's really a federal agent, too. " He gestured at Marcus with contempt.
Lady, your boyfriend here is using stolen credentials and false identity documents. We have evidence. "Then produce it," Elena shot back. "Show us the warrant. Show us the evidence. " You can't just storm into a wedding and I can do whatever I please.
Briggs was close enough now that Marcus could smell his cologne. Cheap, sharp. This man is a fraud. He's been impersonating a federal employee. That's a felony.
Marcus watched Briggs's eyes. They were focused, determined. But there was something else underneath. Something that looked like fear masked by aggression. "If you have evidence of a crime, then follow procedure," Marcus said calmly.
Present your warrant. Read me my rights. Explain the charges. "Shut up. " Briggs grabbed Marcus by the wrist. His grip was iron.
"You don't get to make demands here. " Elena moved to intervene, but one of the other officers stepped between them. "Ma'am, please step back. " Don't interfere with police business. "This isn't police business. " Elena's voice rose, her composure cracking. This is a wedding. You have no right to.
Briggs twisted Marcus'ss arm behind his back in one violent motion. Pain shot through Marcus'ss shoulder, but he forced himself not to react. Any sign of resistance would give them an excuse. Any wrong move could destroy everything. You're under detention.
Briggs snarled into Marcus'ss ear. Suspected identity theft, impersonation of a federal officer, and fraud. "That good enough for you? " Marcus gritted his teeth against the pain. "Those aren't charges. Those are accusations.
Where's your evidence? Where's your warrant? " Evidence? Briggs wrenched Marcus'ss arm higher, making him wince. The evidence is standing right here. You think we don't know who you really are?