"Papers are fine," he said coldly. "But you still pay."
Sarah's fingers curled around the strap of her purse.
Mike's voice cracked. "Sir, I swear I don't have five hundred dollars."
Tom leaned in. "Then give me three hundred."
"I don't have that either."
"Then I impound the taxi."
Mike looked like a man watching his life collapse. "Officer, this taxi feeds my family."
Tom smiled.
That smile was what changed Sarah's breathing.
It was not anger. Not irritation. It was pleasure.
He enjoyed the fear.
Mike took one step back. "Please, sir. I beg you."
Tom's hand shot out.
He grabbed Mike by the collar and shoved him against the taxi.
The metal thudded.
Sarah's eyes darkened.
"If you don't have money," Tom shouted, "why are you even driving? This road belong to your father?"
Mike raised his hands. "Please don't hit me."
Tom tightened his grip. "I'll teach you respect at the station."
Sarah opened the taxi door.
The small sound cut through the noise like a blade.
Tom turned.
For the first time, he noticed her.
A woman in a red dress stepped out of the cab, calm as midnight, her heels touching the pavement without hurry.
"Sergeant," she said, "take your hand off him."
Tom blinked, then laughed.
"And who are you supposed to be?"
"A passenger."
"Then get back in the cab."
Sarah did not move.
Tom looked her up and down. "Lady, this is police business."
"No," Sarah said. "This is extortion."
The two younger officers stiffened.
Tom's smile vanished. "What did you say?"
Sarah stepped closer. "You stopped this driver without probable cause. You demanded cash in exchange for not impounding his vehicle. Then you assaulted him."
Tom stared at her, stunned by her tone.
Then his face twisted.
"You got a big mouth for someone who doesn't know where she is."
Sarah's voice stayed even. "I know exactly where I am."
Tom pointed at her. "You interfering with an officer?"
"I'm observing one committing a crime."
The street seemed to hold its breath.
Mike whispered, "Ma'am, please. Don't. He'll hurt you too."
Sarah looked at him, and for one moment her expression softened.
"No," she said. "He won't."
Tom laughed again, louder this time, performing for his officers.
"You think because you wear a pretty dress, you can talk to me like that?"
Sarah tilted her head. "Do you treat all women this way, Sergeant, or only the ones you think cannot fight back?"
His eyes flashed.
"Turn around," Tom snapped.
Sarah did not.
"I said turn around."