I was not alone at this red light. To my right, there was a little red four door sedan. It was a Dodge Neon and this was a year when these vehicles were new and they were everywhere. I drove a '78 VW Rabbit and I could make it go, off the line at least. For some strange reason, I had a grudge against the Neons and I had every intention of shaming this vehicle once the light turned green.
As soon as the light changed we were off and I could see by the position of his headlights that I was indeed ahead of the Neon. Then some other lights drew my attention; red and blue ones. I was concerned to say the least and what ensued after could have relieved me from any consequence completely; the Neon looked like it was going to make a run for it.
I pulled to the right and watched for the next few minutes. There were two sets red and blue lights, two police cars, and the Neon headed straight into the final intersection where the lighting was very good. One police car followed him and the other had pulled off ahead of me but I could tell he was interested in the Neon. The Neon made an attempt to go left but too late for the actual turn. He was going slow enough that there was no tragic accident, but he backed up and tried to turn into the approach. I watched all of this with a kind of numb fascination. I was shocked at what I was seeing, but I really wanted the Neon to take off as I was positive that if he did so, the second officer would follow and I would likely be free to go.
The Neon stopped however and after the driver was secured by the first officer, the second officer came back to my vehicle. He asked for my license and registration and asked me to come to his car. I had made the decision at that very moment to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but. I had had one drink. What if that made me impaired? I was nineteen and I'd only had my license for four months. We didn't have the probationary thing then so I wasn't breaking any rules around that.
He asked if I knew the other driver and I replied that I did not. He let me into the back of the cruiser. Sitting in the back of the police car, I was going through my story, trying to prepare for the questions he would ask. The officer returned.
Officer: Do you know why I pulled you over?
Me, nodding: Yes sir, because I was racing.
He gave me a look in the rearview mirror like I was being impertinent.
Officer: Because you were speeding.
I nodded, of course I was.
Officer: Do you know what the speed limit is here?
Of course I did. Me: Yes sir, it's sixty.
Officer: Do you know how fast you were going?
Me: No
Officer gives me another rearview mirror look.
Me: No, I don't, I could only see peripherally that I was beating him, I wasn't paying attention to my speed.
Officer: You were doing 100.
I nod again, sure, that seems about right.
Officer: Do you have a good job?
Me, suddenly worried: No. I work at the mall.
Silence
Officer, referring to the other vehicle: So you don't know him?
Me: No.
Officer, grumpily: So why were you playing around?
Me, shrugging: I don't like Neons, I wanted to beat him off the line.
Officer, seemingly exasperated: The reason I pulled you over is because when you took off at the lights he almost hit you!
Me, completely shocked: Oh! I didn't know that!
Silence
Officer: You're going home?
Me: Yes
Officer: Well get on with it then.
And with that he got out of the vehicle, opened my door and handed back my license and registration.
Officer, looking slightly tired: The next time you're driving around at this time of night, just let them pass you.
I know my back went up but understanding his reasoning I responded with a resigned "Okay."
Relieved and still pretty shaky, I returned to my car and drove home. It would not be last time I was stopped by far, but it was a special first encounter.
I was reminded of this story when I opened up a letter from another town that was addressed to Geoff. Turns out that "on or about the 16th of July, 2013" my truck was photographed doing 117 in an 80 zone. Apparently this ticket is worth $236.00. I think I have to pay that. However, so far as I know, I happen to be available on the 23rd of September so I might take a trip in and see if I can argue that the computer is way off. I certainly don't recall doing that speed. That would be silly.
Disclaimer: I've only been caught speeding with a child in the car on one occasion because I generally don't speed with them, but that's a whole other story in itself. And I won that one.
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