With measured, deliberate movements, John reached into his hip pocket. Chad swallowed audibly in the background, nervously taking two steps back toward the street. Victoria smirked with triumph, folding her arms across her chest, expecting a beat-up driver's license that would seal the man's arrest.
Instead of a plain leather wallet, John pulled out a heavy black leather badge case. He flicked it open with a flick of his wrist and held it out for Officer Hayes to inspect.
Embedded in the leather was a gleaming gold shield bearing the state crest, accompanied by an official federal credential.
Officer Hayes’s eyes widened. He straightened his posture instantly, snapping into rigid attention before offering a sharp, involuntary salute. "General Sterling... Sir! We didn't realize this was your residence."
Victoria’s smirk vanished, replaced by an expression of pure, frozen confusion. "General? What nonsense is this? He’s a nobody working on a junk car in violation of HOA code section four!"