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“It’s broad daylight,” I scoff. “And I checked my lights before we got on the road. They’re all in working order.”
With how often Bailey harasses us, I’ve gotten paranoid about making sure my tires are full, the lights work, and I drive the speed limit.
Ignoring my protest, a smug smile spreads over his lips. “It looks like your license is suspended.”
Anger surges through me, and my voice comes out sharp. “That’s impossible.”
He leans back down and makes a show of sniffing the air. “Have you been drinking today?”
“No, I haven’t,” I grit out through clenched teeth.
“I don’t know. I think I smell alcohol.” He moves back and drops his hand to his gun. “Step out of the car, sir. We’ll need to perform a sobriety test.”
Disbelief burns through me. “Are you serious?”
He lowers his sunglasses to stare over the brim at me. “Would you prefer I take you back to the station for a breathalyzer?”
The desire to set him on fire rises to the surface, and the amulet beneath my shirt sizzles to life, pushing the magic down. Jaw tight, I push open the car door and climb out onto the shoulder.
Cars slow as they cruise past, curiosity seekers rubber-necking to check out what’s happening.
The officer gestures at the solid white stripe of paint next to the road. “Walk heel to toe along the line.”
Anger burns beneath my skin, but I do as directed, praying the entire time that one of the lookie-loos doesn’t swerve too close and take off my arm.
“Stop walking.” He points to the spot in front of him. “Stand on one leg.”
“Want me to clap and beg for treats, too?” I clench my teeth, my frustration mounting with each passing second.
He smirks. “Stick your arms straight out, then touch your nose.”
I do so, still while balanced on one foot.
“Okay, I’ll let you off the hook this time.” He taps at his screen, and a piece of paper spits out. “Make sure to pay your ticket on time.”
He hands back my documents, along with a fine for driving with a suspended license and a busted taillight. My hand curls into a fist, crumpling the ticket.
I glance toward the two perfectly functioning taillights. “My light isn’t broken.”
The officer takes a flashlight from his belt and smashes it against the left taillight, shattering the glass.
He faces me with another smirk. “Looks broken to me.”
Fire sizzles under my skin. “One of these days, Bailey won’t be police captain anymore.”
His eyebrows arch. “Is that a threat?”
I keep any trace of annoyance from my voice. “Just stating a fact.”
“Be on your way before I decide you need that breathalyzer test.” He strides toward his patrol car. “And fix that taillight.”
I resist the urge to burn the ticket in my fist.
“Oh.” He turns back to me. “Best let your friend take the wheel on the way home. I’d hate to pull you over again for driving with a suspended license.”
Anger burns through me, threatening to erupt. I clench the amulet beneath my shirt, the ruby heating within my hold. It settles the flames inside me, but not the storm of rage.
Returning to the car, I walk to the passenger side and open the door. “You need to drive the rest of the way.”
