Chapter II: The Highway Robbery
Deputy Vance chuckled with open contempt, completely ignoring the text.
"I don't need to read it, old man," Vance scoffed. "In this county, my assessment is the law."
Without breaking eye contact, Vance flipped the wallet open to the cash compartment. He shoved his fingers inside, pulling out a thick stack of hundred-dollar bills. He flipped through the greenbacks with practiced greed before sliding the entire wad into his own uniform breast pocket.
He then snapped the empty leather wallet shut and shoved it back against Frank's chest.
"Get out of here, old man," Vance barked, turning his back to strut casually back toward his patrol car.
Frank didn't yell. He didn't chase after the deputy.
He calmly slipped the empty wallet back into his pocket, his jaw tightening into pure granite as he watched the officer walk away.