Chapter Twenty Four

Willie

It’s the week of final exams and I guess I was not paying attention. Every student knows of the speed trap at the college entrance. Guess I forgot.

So it’s ‘license and registration’ time and while searching the glove compartment I don’t even notice that the commanding female voice emanates from a most imposing but comely blonde.

Finding the needed documents I meekly utter a “yes, ma’am,” with her order to remain in the car.

Then I sit and await sentence and execution...a ticket not often earned.

Meanwhile this Max looks up intently, seeming to be eager for me to make the slightest provocative move.

Within minutes, the rear view mirror indicates the tall officer is returning. She walks with an unusual combination of style and authority. As she nears a smile fades as she seems to force herself back into her role of enforcement officer.

“Mr. Devereux, my name is Officer Benson and I’m going to need for you to move up about 200 yards and pull into that dirt lane to remove your vehicle from the right of way. This could take some time. I’ll hold your paperwork, sir. Make room for my vehicle, as I will follow.”

Not an unseemly request considering the narrow but busy road where she pulled me over. I start the engine and comply, turning into an old driveway leading to an abandoned farm house. The overgrowth is thick and branches of white pine scratch the sides of my ten- year-old Toyota. I can barely traverse enough of the constricted right of way to allow for the patrol car to pull in behind me. But the officer negotiates handily, backing in with notable precision. She leaves the rear of her patrol car some three feet from my bumper. I am grateful to see the distracting strobe lights turned off. I can accept my summons in relative obscurity and move on without friends and classmates witnessing my culpability.

“Mr. Devereux, I will need you to step from the vehicle and come to the rear between the two cars.”

Her voice booms on the patrol car’s public address system. I unlatch the car door, barely able to hold it open against the evergreen branches. Max is there to observe and ensure I proceed in accordance with the officer’s desires. I stumble forth, pushing away branches and slip between the cars where there is room, however limited.

Meanwhile, the officer exits, her door free of any obstacles. She carries a night stick and beckons ominously.

“Stand between the vehicles, sir. You and your car are to be searched. I am sure you are aware that under Pennsylvania law drivers under 21 cannot refuse