They had dealt with difficult personalities before.
They knew the difference between confidence and intimidation.
Ryan crossed his arms.
"You two need to understand something."
Naomi looked at him.
"Understand what?"
Ryan smiled.
"That some people have more authority than others."
Maya immediately recognized the problem.
The conversation was no longer about what happened.
It was about power.
She answered:
"Authority does not mean someone can treat people however they want."
Jason laughed.
"You should be careful."
Maya looked at him.
"Careful about what?"
The officers exchanged a glance.
That moment revealed everything.
They expected fear.
They expected the women to back away.
But Maya and Naomi did not.
Because they knew something the officers did not.
Real authority did not need intimidation.