Hayes snatched the license, shining his light on it, then back at her face. "Josephine Carter. What are you doing out here at 2:00 in the morning? " "I'm heading home from work, officer. " Hayes scoffed. His flashlight beam detached from her face and began to aggressively scan the interior of the car. It lingered on the floorboards, the back seat, and finally it stopped dead on the passenger seat.
The red seal on the manila envelope seemed to glow under the harsh LED light. "What's in the envelope? " Hayes asked, his tone dropping an octave. Legal documents, Joe replied, her grip tightening slightly on the steering wheel. Confidential legal documents. Is that right?
Hayes smirked, stepping back from the door. Step out of the vehicle. Joe didn't move. Officer Hayes, assuming that's your name, as your badge number is obscured by your jacket, I have not consented to a search of my vehicle. There is no probable cause for you to order me out of this car for a simple lane violation.
Hayes's face flushed with sudden hot anger. In Oak Haven, nobody cited the law to him, especially not a black woman alone on a dark, deserted highway. He unclipped his radio. Dispatch, I got a non-compliant driver on Route 9 requesting a second unit. Start stepping out of the car, Josephine, or I'm going to pull you through this window.
Knowing the situation was escalating to a dangerous precipice, Joe unbuckled her seat belt and stepped out into the freezing rain. Before she could even close her door, Hayes grabbed her by the shoulder, spinning her around and slamming her chest first against the wet side of her car. He kicked her legs apart with the heavy toe of his boot. What are you doing? I am not resisting.
Joe shouted over the rain. Shut your mouth. Hayes growled, patting her down roughly. Satisfied she was unarmed. He didn't put her in cuffs yet, but shoved her toward the front of his cruiser.
Stay right there. Don't move a muscle. Joe watched in disbelief as Hayes leaned right into her vehicle, immediately reaching for the passenger seat. He grabbed the thick manila envelope, holding it up in the rain. "Officer Hayes, listen to me very carefully," Joe commanded, her voice cutting through the storm with startling authority.
"That is a sealed federal document. It is the property of the United States Department of Justice. If you break that seal, you are committing a Title 18 federal felony. " Put it down. Hayes paused, looking at the heavy wax seal, the formal embossing, and then back at Joe. A cruel, arrogant smile spread across his face.
He thought she was one of those sovereign citizens playing with fake legal jargon. He thought she was trying to outsmart him. Federal document, huh? Hayes mocked. Looks like contraband to me.