"Walk away, old man."
Chapter II: The Smug Cruiser
Deputy Vance turned his back with utter arrogance and strutted toward the cruiser. Sitting in the passenger seat was a rookie deputy, who glanced over with an uneasy, nervous grin as his superior prepared to step into the patrol car.
Frank stood motionless on the gravel shoulder beside his vintage Mustang. His eyes hardened into cold steel.
He reached into his right jacket pocket, pulled out a black smartphone, and pressed a single encrypted speed-dial.
Bringing the receiver smoothly to his ear, Frank spoke in a low, gravelly voice that carried the weight of absolute command:
"Badge 742. Confirmed."