Page 64 of Under the Radar

“We patrol a large area,” he said, dismissing my query.

“And you just happen to be where I was driving,” I reiterated.

“License and registration.”

I held my tongue as I reached over and got the registration from the glove box. The bastard had followed me somehow. I dug into my coat pocket for my license, stopping at the sound I heard. I turned my head, seeing the gun Dan was now holding. “Remove your hand from that pocket slowly,” he ordered.

“I am just getting my license.”

“Slowly,” he repeated.

I did as he requested, showing him my wallet. He lowered his gun, holstering it.

“Was that really necessary?” I questioned, refusing to let him see the anxiety that crept up my spine at the sight of him drawing his weapon on me.

“I had no idea what you were reaching into your pocket for.”

I handed him my license and registration. “Exactly what you asked me for.”

“Please step out of the car while I check this out.”

My temper was beginning to grow, but I tamped it down and undid my seat belt, stepping onto the road.

“Place your hands on the vehicle and keep them there.”

I wanted to throw a punch. Tell him what I thought of him and this stupid power play. But I knew what would happen. I’d end up in the back of his cruiser, handcuffed and on a trumped-up charge. So, without a word, I did as he asked.

I counted to a hundred in my mind over and over as I stood with my hands on my truck while Dan took his sweet-ass time verifying my information. Another car went by, slowing down to look at us, and I ignored them, resisting the urge to lift one hand and wave. I wouldn’t put it past Dan to shoot me for it. He was doing this to cause me embarrassment, but the funny thing was, he was the one who should be embarrassed. I had done nothing except be a little heavy on the gas pedal.

He finally strolled back, indicating I could move. “I’m going to cut you a break, Chase.”

“Is that a fact?” I snarled, taking my cards back. “What kind of break might that be?”

“I’m only writing you up for ten kilometers over the limit.” He handed me a ticket. “Follow the instructions to pay the fine on the back.” He smirked. “Or contest, if you prefer. I’ll see you in court, then.”

I took the ticket, seething. “Anything else?”

He narrowed his eyes. “Obey the law.”

I leaned closer, glaring. “Maybe you should try to take your own advice,” I spat. “Harassing me isn’t going to get you anywhere with Hannah.”

He shrugged. “I had no idea who you were when I pulled you over. I was doing my job.”

I turned and walked away. “Right,” I snorted under my breath. “Asshole.”

In the truck, I snapped on my seat belt, watching him in the mirror. I waited for him to pull out, but he stayed in his car, waiting. I realized he planned on following me back to Littleburn—or at least as far as he could.

I rolled up my window and put on the air. I turned up the music and pulled away. I drove as slowly as I could without giving him cause to pull me over for going too slow. But he wanted me to abide by the law? He was going to get it.

I laughed as he eventually got tired and drove around me, leaving me in his dust. I flipped him the bird and sped up but set the cruise to exactly the speed limit as soon as he was out of sight.

I mulled over what to do, then decided to do nothing. Telling Hannah would only upset her. Fighting the ticket would give him ammunition. I would pay the fine and move on. But I knew I would have to be watchful for him now.

At the garage, I gave Dom his part and headed to the office. Charly smiled at me. “I was getting worried.”

“I, ah, had a little trouble on the way back.”

“What kind of trouble?”