At first, she thought it was a simple mistake, perhaps an ambulance or a routine check of no real importance. But when the siren wailed and a blinding spotlight struck her mirror, a chill slowly ran down her spine. The harsh voice of a loudspeaker ordered her to pull over immediately to the side of the dark, deserted road.
Danielle slowed down, her heart pounding, confusion etched on her face, weary from long hours of work. She lowered the window, keeping her hands firmly on the steering wheel as her father had once taught her. Two officers approached, one tall and pale, the other shorter, with a mocking smile that already reeked of contempt.
The taller officer demanded her papers without any preamble, ignoring her polite greeting and calm voice. Danielle replied calmly, slowly searching for her bag, making sure her every move was clearly visible. The shorter officer moved closer, his hand resting on his gun, demanding accusingly where she was coming from so late.
