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“Out of the vehicle,” Vance said.
“Is there an issue with my speed?” Victoria asked.
Vance took a step back, gesturing for her to open the door. He did not offer a name or a badge number.
Victoria turned the key in the ignition, silencing the engine. The quiet of the rural road rushed into the cabin, broken only by the distant hum of a truck on the state route. On the passenger seat lay a fresh yellow legal pad, completely blank. She opened the door and stepped out onto the gravel.
The young officer, Miller, stood near the rear bumper of her car, his hand hovering near his belt. He was twenty-six, with a pale face and eyes that darted toward the tree line every few seconds. He repeatedly adjusted his uniform cap, pulling the navy blue brim low over his forehead.
“Step to the rear of the car, ma’am,” Miller said, his sentences coming in rapid, nervous bursts. “We need to check the vehicle safety features.”
“Which features are you inspecting, Officer?” Victoria asked.