Get Out, Scum! Cop Yelled... Froze When Both Flashed Internal Affairs IDs
Chapter 3
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The heavy footsteps paused just behind the B-pillar of the Malibu. This was a classic tactical position designed to force the driver to turn their head awkwardly while giving the officer maximum visibility and cover. Officer Kowalski was doing everything by the book tactically, but his intentions were entirely corrupt.A blinding flashlight beam abruptly, violently pierced the interior of the car—sweeping over David's face, darting down to the center console, lingering on Khloe, and then snapping back to David's eyes."License, registration, and proof of insurance. Now," Kowalski demanded. His voice was a gruff, gravelly bark, entirely lacking the standard "Good evening" or any explanation for the stop. It was a voice accustomed to instant, unquestioning submission.David squinted against the harsh glare of the flashlight. "Good evening, Officer. Could you tell me why I was pulled over?""I give the orders here, pal, not you! Papers—hand them over," Kowalski snapped, leaning closer to the window. The smell of stale coffee and peppermint gum wafted into the car."My license and registration are in my wallet, which is in my back right pocket," David stated calmly, deliberately narrating his movements to deny Kowalski any opportunity to claim he was reaching for a weapon.Slowly, with exaggerated care, David retrieved his wallet, extracted his civilian driver's license—a legally issued alias—and the vehicle's registration, and handed them through the window.Kowalski snatched the documents, holding them up into the beam of his flashlight. He scoffed audibly. "A city address. What are you people doing out here in Oak Haven at this time of night?""We were just driving home, Officer," Khloe interjected softly, her voice perfectly modulated to sound mildly concerned, but respectful.Kowalski snapped the flashlight beam directly into Khloe's eyes. "Did I ask you a question? Keep your mouth shut unless you're spoken to!"David's jaw tightened imperceptibly, but his hands remained flat on the wheel. "Officer, with all due respect, my wife and I haven't done anything wrong. I was maintaining the speed limit. I used my signals. I'd appreciate it if you could tell me the reason for the stop.""You swerved over the yellow line," Kowalski lied effortlessly. The complete lack of hesitation in his voice told David and Khloe everything they needed to know: this wasn't a mistake; this was a well-rehearsed script. "Plus, your vehicle matches the description of a car involved in a string of residential burglaries three towns over. So you're going to sit tight while I run these."Kowalski stepped back, retreating to his cruiser."He's escalating," Khloe whispered, her eyes tracking the rearview mirror. "He knows the burglary is garbage. He just needed a pretext to hold us.""Let's see how far he takes it," David replied, his heart rate as steady as a metronome.Ten agonizing minutes passed. The rain picked up, drumming heavily against the roof of the Malibu. Finally, Kowalski emerged from his cruiser.This time, he didn't stop behind the pillar: he marched directly up to the driver's side door, his hand resting conspicuously on the grip of his holstered sidearm. His posture had shifted from authoritative to aggressively hostile."All right, here's how this is going to work," Kowalski barked, leaning his head slightly into the open window. "I smell marijuana coming from the vehicle. That gives me probable cause for a search."