Raymond asked a slight rise in his voice that's ridiculous I'm just walking we've got reports the shorter officer said his grin gone now a big guy black matching your description going door too trying to look for easy targets. Raymond narrowed his eyes you're lying you never got a call the taller officer stepped forward his hand rested ing on his belt are you calling us Liars sir I'm calling it what it is. Raymond replied an excuse excuses don't land people in cuffs the shorter officer said but keep this up and we'll see if we need to get you down to the station for some questioning. Raymond's pulse quickened but he held his ground I've done nothing wrong I'm not casing houses I'm not robbing anyone and you know that is that so the taller officer said a sneer curling at the edge of his mouth because from where I'm standing it sure looks like you've been hanging around a little too long and it sure looks like you're looking for something more than just a walk. Raymond took a slow breath steadying himself the camera was still rolling capturing every word every sneer every accusation but he could feel the temperature rising the air thick with tension I'm not robbing anyone.
Raymond said again his voice clear and firm and if you're going to accuse me of that you'd better be ready to back it up with more than just your assumptions the officers exchanged a glance their confidence didn't falter but the lines in their faces hardened their postures stiffened they weren't letting him go the officer Expressions darkened the snears turning into something colder. Raymond could feel the weight of their stairs the way. They stood too close their hands inching toward their belts he didn't move he couldn't afford to he knew how quickly situations like this could spiral out of control you don't seem to understand the shorter officer said his voice low and menacing you're not just going to walk away from this. Raymond's jaw tightened I'm not going anywhere until you tell me exactly what I've done wrong the taller officer stepped even closer towering over him you've got a smart mouth don't you maybe you're used to talking back to people but out here that's not going to fly I'm not talking back raymon said his voice steady I'm just asking for some clarity Clarity the shorter officer barked a laugh you're in the wrong neighborhood big man clarity's not going to help you here. Raymond stood his ground I'm not going to let you intimidate me that was when it happened the taller officer's hand shot out shoving.
Raymond hard in the chest it wasn't subtle it wasn't a light push it was a full force attempt to knock him off balance. Raymond staggered back back but didn't fall his training kicked in instinctively steadying his stance hey. Raymond barked his voice sharper now what's your problem my problem is you the taller officer snapped stepping forward again you think you can just stand here and run your mouth like you're untouchable. Raymond raised his hands Palms open I'm not looking for trouble I'm just standing here the shorter officer smirked maybe you should have thought of that that before you mouthed off mouthed off. Raymond repeated his voice Rising I'm just asking you why you're stopping me I'm not threatening anyone you put hands on me you're lucky that's all we did the taller officer snarled closing the distance again guys like you think you can do whatever you want not in this neighborhood.
Raymond's heart pounded but he kept his voice firm I don't have to explain myself to you I'm not doing anything illegal you've got no reason to be in my face the words barely left his mouth when the shorter officer reached out grabbing at his arm. Raymond yanked it back but the movement escalated the tension in an instant the taller officer seized the opportunity reaching for. Raymond's jacket collar they weren't just questioning him now they were making it physical don't touch me. Raymond snapped his voice loud enough to carry he wasn't shouting but the command and his tone was impossible to ignore or what the shorter officer sneered his grip tightening or I'll defend myself. Raymond warned he wasn't bluffing he knew he couldn't afford to make the first move but he also knew he wasn't going to let himself be manhandled the taller officer shoved him again harder this time.
Raymond stumbled back his shoulder brushing against a nearby lamp post it was clear now they wanted a reaction they wanted him to fight back so they could claim he was the aggressor but. Raymond wasn't going to give them that satisfaction I'm warning you. Raymond said his voice steady despite the adrenaline surging through him let go of me the shorter officer pulled back for a moment just long enough to exchange a glance with his partner then without another word he swung the punch caught Rayman offg guard glancing off his jaw but not knocking him down the pain was sharp sudden but it also flipped a switch in his mind he didn't have a choice anymore they'd started it and now he had to defend himself. Raymond ducked as the taller officer swung next the punch missing him by inches he planted his feet and shoved back using his size and strength to create space the officers didn't stop the shorter one lunged again and this time. Raymond caught his arm and twisted it just enough to make him Yelp and let go enough.
Raymond shouted I don't want to fight you the taller officer stepped in again his face Twisted in Anger yeah well you got one anyway the fight moved into the street. Raymond kept his movements tight controlled not throwing wild punches but using calculated blocks and counters to keep the officers from overwhelming him it wasn't a brawl it was tactical almost surgical his military training had taught him how to neutralize threats quickly but he was holding back he didn't want to hurt them even though they clearly had no such hesitation the taller officer threw another punch this time connecting with. Raymond's shoulder he staggered but didn't fall instead he used the momentum to step to the side and deliver a quick open-handed strike to the officer's forearm forcing him to drop back the shorter officer tried to grab him from behind but. Raymond spun breaking the hold and shoving him away they kept coming every time. Raymond deflected one the other would attack his breathing was heavy now each moved deliberate but tiring he wasn't going to go down easily though he wasn't going to give them that satisfaction.
Raymond's breath came fast and heavy his muscles tensed as. He moved with Precision blocking one officer while bracing for the other he wasn't trying to win this fight he was trying to survive it he had been trained for combat but this wasn't War he was fighting two men who had the power to make him the villain no matter how much he tried to hold back the taller officer lunged at him again fists swinging wildly. Raymond ducked weaving just in time to avoid a direct hit to the face instead the officer's Knuckles scraped across his Temple sending a sharp sting through his skull he clenched his jaw his instincts screaming at him to strike back St stop this. Raymond bellowed stepping back hands raised in a defensive posture I don't want to fight the shorter officer spat at the ground his chest heaving you don't get to decide that fat boy. Raymond's blood ran hot but he swallowed the insult forcing himself to stay composed he backed up another step trying to put more distance between them if he could just keep them from closing in maybe the taller officer didn't give him a chance to finish the thought he rushed forward again this time slamming his shoulder into.