“He’s lying.”
Moreno pulled out her phone. “Then give me thirty seconds.”
Kenneth stood beside the Audi in silence while Moreno contacted dispatch. Calloway shook his head, irritated that she was taking the claim seriously. Across the parking lot, the woman recording moved closer.
Dispatch answered through Moreno’s radio. “Unit twelve, go ahead.” Moreno gave Kenneth’s name and date of birth from the license.
There was a brief pause.
Then the dispatcher’s voice changed.
“Supervisor, confirm the subject is Kenneth Elijah Harrison?” Moreno looked at Kenneth. “Confirmed.”
Another pause followed. “Be advised, Kenneth Elijah Harrison is listed through state judicial security records as Chief Judge, Fourth District Court. Additional caution notice indicates protected judicial official.”
The parking lot went silent.
Calloway stopped moving.
Moreno looked directly at him. “Take the cuffs off.”
Calloway’s face changed from confidence to disbelief. “That doesn’t mean he’s actually—”
The radio interrupted. “Unit twelve, courthouse security is requesting immediate confirmation of Judge Harrison’s status. They’ve been trying to contact him regarding an emergency injunction hearing.”
Kenneth closed his eyes briefly.
The demolition.
He looked toward Moreno. “Officer, I need my phone.”
Moreno removed the handcuffs herself. Red marks had formed around Kenneth’s wrists. She apologized quietly and handed him the phone from the car.
Three missed calls appeared from the night clerk.
Kenneth dialed immediately.
“Judge Harrison?” the clerk answered. “Where are you?”
“I’ve been delayed.”
“The demolition contractor moved equipment onto Brookfield Street twenty minutes ago. They’re claiming the city permit overrides the preservation petition.”
Kenneth glanced at Calloway. The officer had suddenly become very interested in the wet pavement.
“Send the petition and emergency supporting exhibits to my secure account,” Kenneth said. “Contact Judge Albright as backup and tell counsel I will review remotely until I reach chambers.”
“Yes, Judge.”
Kenneth ended the call.
Calloway finally spoke. “Look, Judge, I didn’t know who you were.”
Kenneth slowly turned toward him.
“That is the least important thing you have said tonight.”
Calloway frowned.
Kenneth stepped closer, no longer restrained and no longer willing to make himself smaller to protect the officer’s comfort. “The problem is not that you failed to recognize a judge.”
Rain struck the pavement between them.
“The problem is that you believed I deserved different treatment before you knew I was one.”
Calloway opened his mouth.
Kenneth raised one hand.
“No.”
The single word stopped him.
“You stopped a legally registered vehicle, accused me of stealing it without evidence, searched the interior after I denied consent, handled protected documents, called my robe a costume, handcuffed me after I complied with every lawful instruction, and then told your supervisor something about me simply did not ‘add up.’”
Calloway looked toward Moreno. “I had reasonable suspicion.”
“Then articulate it.”