Not a cop. Not a colleague. The stranger’s eyes barely blinked in the rain. He wore no insignia, no reflective striping, no hint of who might claim him later.
“We’ll secure the load,” he said, stepping closer. “Step back to your vehicle.”
Dan squared his shoulders. “Not until I talk to dispatch.” He tapped his phone camera on, screen tucked against his palm.
The stranger’s gaze fell to Dan’s pocket—straight to the velvet box he shouldn’t have kept.
