“That isn’t how this works.”
“Actually, it can be.”
Reed pointed again.
“Stop telling me how to do my job.”
Simone’s patience had nearly ended.
She had spent years interviewing officers accused of civil rights violations.
She knew the difference between a lawful investigation and ego entering an encounter.
She also knew that announcing her own profession now would contaminate everything.
The moment Reed heard FBI, the interaction would change.
She did not want compliance purchased by status.
“I’m going inside to get my ID.”
Reed stepped into her path.
“No.”
Simone stopped.
“You just told me to get it.”
“You had your chance.”
“My chance?”
“You’re not going inside until I clear the residence.”
Talia stared.
“Based on what?”
Reed looked toward her.
“Stay out of this.”
“I live here.”
“Then both of you need to cooperate.”
Simone’s voice became very quiet.
“You do not have consent to enter my house.”
Reed moved closer.
“Move.”
“No.”
He pointed toward her chest.
“Move aside.”
“No.”
“Last warning.”
Simone stared directly at him.
“For what?”
Reed reached for her.
His right hand caught the upper part of Simone’s arm near the shoulder.
She pulled backward instinctively.
“Let go of me.”
His grip tightened.
Several guests shouted.
Talia moved forward.
“Take your hand off her.”
Reed turned partly toward Talia while maintaining his grip.
“Back up.”
“She told you to let go.”
“Back up now.”
Simone twisted her shoulder.
“Deputy, release me.”
Reed moved his other hand higher toward her upper chest and collar area, attempting to turn her.
Simone planted her feet.
“Do not put your hands on me.”
“Stop resisting.”
“I am standing in my yard.”
Talia stepped closer.
Reed shoved one arm toward her.
“Back!”
Talia caught the forearm before it struck her chest.
The movement changed everything.
Reed jerked back.
“Let go!”
“You swung into me.”
“Let go!”
Talia released immediately.
Reed turned toward Simone again.
He tried pulling her sideways.
Simone used the motion rather than fighting directly against it.
Her body rotated.
Reed lost part of his leverage.
Talia recognized the movement instantly.
Both sisters had spent years training in defensive tactics.
Not movie fighting.
Not flashy martial arts.
Control.
Leverage.
Distance.
Keeping hands away from weapons.
Simone caught Reed’s wrist.
“Stop.”
He yanked.
She released.
For one second, everyone separated.