“Is something wrong, officer?” Jenny asked, her voice trying to stay calm. She knew stories of small misunderstandings getting out of hand and didn’t want to start any trouble. She thought staying polite might keep things calm. But the situation was about to take a different turn.
The officer paused, casting a quick glance around them. He leaned in a bit, making sure Jenny was alone in the car. The officer’s breath reeked of stale coffee and cigarettes as he leaned toward her window. The acrid smell mingled with the whiff of oil and rubber from the traffic stop. Then, in a low, firm voice, he instructed, “Ma’am, please step out and open your trunk.” His forehead was visibly tensed, the vein there standing out, adding a serious edge to his command.