Page 48 of Alibi for Murder
“I was not.” Steve slowed and eased to the side of the highway. “I guess we’ll find out what I was doing.”
Allie could not remember the last time she had been pulled over by the police. But then she didn’t do a lot of driving, so that wasn’t making a point at all.
Steve powered his window down and placed his hands on the steering wheel.
The officer took his time getting out and then approaching their vehicle.
Allie just wanted to go home. She felt more tired than she had in her entire life.
A flashlight pierced the interior of the SUV. She squinted to block the blare.
“License and registration,” the officer demanded.
Steve reached for his wallet, removed his driver’s license and handed it to the officer. “Is it okay if I reach into the glovebox and get the registration?”
The officer studied his license and then shone the flashlight directly in Steve’s face. “That won’t be necessary, sir. I need you to step out of the vehicle.”
Allie’s pulse reacted. Was this normal procedure?
“I will step out of the vehicle when you tell me the reason you pulled me over and why you need me to get out.”
“Sir, there’s an APB out for your arrest, and I’m going to need you to come with me. You can call your attorney once we’re at the station. But I would prefer that we not have any trouble here on the street.”
Steve held up his hands. “I’m certain there’s been a mistake, but I’m happy to cooperate. If you’ll allow me, I’d like to make a call and confirm that the APB is actually for me. I believe I’m well within my rights to request confirmation.”
“If you’ll step out of the vehicle, sir,” the officer repeated, “you can make the call from my patrol car.”
“I’ll make it now,” Steve countered. “We’ll go from there. I’m an attorney. I know my rights.”
“I’ll stand by.” The officer didn’t move or take his flashlight’s beam off the two of them.
Steve picked up his cell from the console and made the call.
Allie’s frustration and anger mounted with every second that passed. This was ridiculous. How the hell could there be an APB out on Steve?
“Thanks.” Steve ended the call. “Looks like I’m taking a ride to the city jail.”
“This is insane,” Allie argued. “You haven’t done anything.”
“Don’t worry,” he assured her. “My team is on it. You can follow us there. This shouldn’t take long to clear up, but Ineed you to follow us there and stay within view of the officer manning the lobby at the jail.”
“You should go home, ma’am,” the officer spoke up. “This may take some time.” He opened the driver-side door.
“Follow us,” Steve repeated. “I want you nearby.”
“I will.”
Allie watched in horror as Steve was handcuffed then escorted to the cruiser and placed in the backseat. What the hell was going on here?
She climbed across the console, settled behind the steering wheel and adjusted the seat. When the police cruiser pulled away from the curb, she did the same. She followed the vehicle through the dark streets. This was so wrong. She shivered. But what could she do? How did she prove it was a mistake?
Maybe she should call Rivero. He might have a contact with the police from back when he was such a big news star. There likely weren’t very many people in this little town that he didn’t know.
But that had been a long time ago.
Then again, the Ledwell group didn’t just know people. They appeared to own people. How did you stop a machine like that?
Not alone, for sure.
