Jean was trying to read a map and stay on the road when she was distracted by flashing lights and gave a little, “Damn!”
She had not been speeding, but she might get a lecture on weaving, she thought, as she pulled to the side of the highway. The black and white cruiser pulled in behind her, sleekly menacing.
“May I see your driver’s license, please?” asked the tall officer with the western style hat over his dark hair.
“Sure,” she said, as she fumbled with her wallet. “I’m a little lost.”
“Is there anyone else in the van?”
“No, could you tell me —”
“Just stay in the van, please, ma’am.”
Jean could feel the blood rising to her face. He had called her “ma’am”. She hated that. She tapped her foot impatiently as she watched him go back to his cruiser and use the radio. She wondered if mentioning Wylie’s name would do any good, then chastised herself for even thinking of using pull. If she was going to get a ticket for reckless driving, then she would just pay it. Finally he walked back to the van window.
“No wants or warrants but this name is familiar —” He jumped sideways and pulled his gun as Basker heaved himself up onto the seat. “I thought you said you were alone.”
“He’s just a dog,” Jean said with irritation. “What’s the matter with you?”
“These vans with the tinted windows are the latest thing for drug runners. I have to check any suspicious vehicle.”
“Drug-runners? I’m a librarian!” she said proudly as though that held her above any reproach.
“Oh, my God! Jean Woods! You’re the new librarian.” He took off his sunglasses.
“Wylie?” Jean asked, as she recognized the now changed voice and looked into his deep brown eyes..
“That’s right. Boy, is my face red,” he said, taking off his hat.
He put his hand in the window to shake hers. He was tanned with dark hair, graying at the sideburns, and he was, indeed, blushing. She liked his sideburns and deplored the current fashion for shaving them off up to the top of the ear. His buff uniform looked a little the worse for spending half a day in his car, but then her pants suit could not look much better.
“I’m really sorry,” he said, returning her license.
“I guess you were just doing your job.”
“You should have said something.”
“I suppose I would have stopped you before you got to the strip search.” She noted with satisfaction that he flinched.
“I’m sorry I pulled my gun on you, but between the silver van and the California plate and the weaving…”
“I had no idea I was such a suspicious character.”
“It’s just that we have started having a drug problem even in a town like Falls Bend. I’m doing everything I can to keep it out.”
“I understand,” Jean said, suppressing her irritation. “Speaking of Falls Bends, where is it?”
“Follow me. A drunk ran over the sign post a couple of months ago and the town’s pretty hard to find otherwise.”
“Wouldn’t it be a good idea to put up a new sign?” she asked.
“Oh, no. That takes a town council meeting. You don’t want to ask for one of those unless you have to. You’ll see.”
This will forever be one of my favorites.