“No… or I don’t think I was.” She was reaching for her purse for her license when there was a tap on her window.
She pushed the button, lowering it to see the grim-faced cop asking for her ID and registration.
“Was I speeding?” she asked, giving him her ID and the rental receipt that Calder had given her.
His lips tightened. “I’ll be back.” When he strode back to his police car, they turned to look at each other.
“I don’t think I was speeding.”
“I don’t think you were, either.”
The red lights highlighted their worried faces. Crazy Bitch knew it wasn’t a good sign when another patrol car arrived, pulling in front of her car and sandwiching them between the two cruisers.
“Passenger, step out of the car.”
Fat Louise gave a frightened squeal when the bullhorn shouted instructions to get out.
“Does he mean me?” she gasped.
“Yes, you’re the passenger. Be cool. Just get out and leave your purse.”
Crazy Bitch watched as Fat Louise opened the door and stepped out, leaving the car door open.
She remained inside until she heard the bullhorn again.
“Driver, exit the car slowly.”
She opened the door, getting out and facing the police car behind her. She had no more turned than she felt herself plastered against the side of the car.
“What…? Let me go! You can’t handcuff me for speeding.”
Obviously, they could. Handcuffs clicked onto her wrists.
Looking up, she saw Fat Louise in the same position.
Neither officer answered their questions. Taking their elbows, they led them to the end of the car, where they forced them to sit down on the curb.
A car with Sheriff blazoned on the side of the vehicle pulled up, neatly blocking them from sight of cars driving by.
Crazy Bitch started getting scared. The distant memory of the night that Winter and Lily had nearly been killed by a rogue deputy heightened the feeling that they weren’t acting normal.
She had only seen Eli May a few times around town. He had been sheriff since she was a little girl. He should have retired a long time ago, but the town kept voting him in office. Crazy Bitch promised herself, the next time he ran, her ass would be out campaigning against him.
“You been drinking tonight?” he asked, looming over them.
Fat Louise looked up, frightened. “Yes, sir. I had a beer, but I wasn’t driving.”
The sheriff glanced at Crazy Bitch. “How about you?”
“I had two sips, not enough to register.”
“We’ll see about that. Doug, give her the breathalyzer. You mind if I check out your car?”
“It’s not mine; it’s a rental.”
“It’s rented to a Calder Riggs,” the deputy said.
“Why you driving it, then?” the sheriff asked.
“My boyfriend rented it for me,” Crazy Bitch answered, meeting his calculating eyes.
Her instincts went into overdrive. The asshole was acting too cocky. She could tell by his demeanor that he wanted to get her for something. He was itching to arrest her.
“Guess I don’t need your permission to go search it, then, do we, boys?”
“I’m not giving permission.” She glared up at him. “I don’t have anything to hide, but I’m not giving permission. I have a friend who is a lawyer, and I know my rights. Either tell me what I’ve done and write a ticket, or let us go. If you’re arresting me, I’m not saying shit until I see my lawyer.”
The sheriff laughed down at her. “Send for the canine. If the dog gives you the all-clear, you can be on your way. What’d you pull them over for, Doug?”
“She blew a stop sign.”
“He’s lying.”
“I’m not going to dignify that accusation by explaining myself.” The thin, balding deputy looked like a puff of wind would blow him away.
“I bet you won’t, since you’re lying.”
“She’s telling the truth,” Fat Louise defended her.
“Where’s your ID?” the sheriff asked her.
“It’s in my purse in the car. My name is Jane—”
“When I want your name, I’ll ask for it.” The sheriff gave them a complacent smile as an SUV parked behind his car.
“Something tells me this isn’t going good,” Fat Louise whispered out of the side of her mouth.
“No shit.” Crazy Bitch made no effort to lower her voice.
They could only sit on the curb and watch as the deputy opened the back of the SUV, taking out a large German Shepherd. Holding the leash, the deputy led it to their parked car.
The Shepherd was led around the car, and then it sat down by the back door.
“How did I know Killer was going to do that?” The sheriff gave them a satisfied smile as he opened the back door.
“Go for it, Columbo!” Crazy Bitch yelled as he bent to look inside the car. “I don’t give a fuck what you find.”
“Don’t antagonize him!” Fat Louise shushed her, but Crazy Bitch didn’t care. The sheriff had been too sure of himself.
When he rose up a second later, she wasn’t surprised to see him holding up a baggy as he walked back toward them. “This was under the car mat. You have prescriptions for these?”