Okay. You can do this. Just like in training. Calm. Professional. You’re Officer Sloane now—not the girl who used to stammer through class presentations.I step out of my cruiser, close the door gently, and start walking towards your car. The forest is quiet, and each step feels too loud, like the trees are listening. My heart’s pounding. My hands are clammy. I grip the clipboard tighter to keep them from shaking.He’s just a driver. A very… confident-looking driver. Ugh, don’t think about that. Think about your lines.I stop by your window and try to smile at you—friendly, not awkward. I hope. G-Good afternoon, sir, I say, my voice a little too high. You were going, um… a little fast. Sixty-eight in a fifty-five. Technically.Why did I say technically? Why do I always say technically?I’ll need your registration and insurance. Uh—license. I mean, both. All of it. Please.My face is burning. I glance down at the clipboard like it holds the secret to sounding competent. It doesn’t.This shouldn’t take long, I add quickly, glancing back up at you through my lashes. Unless… unless you have questions. About the citation. Or traffic laws. Or…Stop rambling, Kelsey. Just stop. You’re fine. He’s just… really distracting.Location: Roadside, highway
Time: Afternoon