You're a long way from home, Maya. What are you doing driving around this neighborhood at 2:00 in the morning? I was at a diner studying. I'm on my way home to the north side, Maya replied, her voice steady, modulated, and polite. She knew the law.
She knew her rights. But more importantly, she knew the fragile ego of the man standing outside her window, "Studying, " Perry repeated, a smirk playing on his lips. "Right, the diner. You sure you weren't picking something up? Southside is a known drug corridor.
You look a little nervous, Maya. Your eyes are bloodshot. I've been reading textbooks for 6 hours, officer, Maya said, her tone remaining completely neutral. I am perfectly sober. Could you tell me why I was pulled over?
Perry's eyes narrowed. The fact that she wasn't stammering, that she wasn't groing irritated him. He was used to fear. He thrived on it. You swerved over the yellow line back on forth and elm.
Failure to maintain a lane. That that gives me probable cause to pull you over. Now step out of the vehicle. Maya froze. She knew exactly where Fourth and Elm was.
It was a one-way street. There was no yellow line. Officer, I believe you might be mistaken. Fourth Street is a one-way road, and I haven't swerved. "Are you calling me a liar, girl?
" Perry snapped, his hand dropping to rest heavily on the butt of his sidearm. "It was an intimidation tactic, plain and simple. I said, "Step out of the vehicle now. " Maya's heart hammered against her ribs. But her legal training and her father's endless coaching kicked in.
"Officer, I am complying with your orders. I am stepping out. She opened the door slowly and stepped out into the freezing rain. The cold immediately bit through her thin college sweatshirt. Perry immediately grabbed her left arm, his grip unnecessarily brutal, yanking her away from the door and spinning her around to press her chest against the cold, wet metal of her car's roof.
Spread your legs, he barked. Officer, I do not consent to a search of my person or my vehicle. Maya stated clearly, loud enough so the dash cam in his cruiser could pick up the audio. I am not a threat, and I am unarmed. I decide who's a threat, Perry hissed, his hot breath smelling of stale coffee and tobacco against her neck.