Wicked Forest (DeBeers 2)

"Pull in there and let me see your license and registration," he ordered.

"I'm sorry," I said, hoping my apology would work like a magic wand and make him disappear.

He acted as if he hadn't heard it and walked back to his car. He got in and waited for me to pull over, then pulled up behind me and got out again. I fumbled through my purse for my license and reached into the glove compartment for my registration. He read them both and tipped his hat back with his right thumb. I thought he looked very young, too young to be an actual policeman.

"South Carolina, eh?"

"I've just moved here," I said. "I haven't had time to change anything yet."

"I see. You do drive like someone who hasn't got much time." He stared at my soaked hair.

"I'm sorry," I repeated. "Something upset me and I wasn't thinking."

"I see. Is that some sort of new hairstyle?" he asked. The strands were glued to my temples and cheeks, the water still traveling down the sides of my face.

"No," I said, my lips and chin trembling,

"Are you at a hotel here?"

"No, a home," I said.

"What's the address?"

"It's called Joya del Mar. I have the address here somewhere," I said, reaching for my purse again.

"That's all right. I know that address. You're staying with the Eatons?"

"No, the Montgomerys," I corrected sharply, flicking the tears from my cheeks.

He nodded.

"One minute." he said, and returned to his car. Through the rearview mirror. I could see him talking on the car phone. A few minutes later, he returned.

"Okay, Miss De Beers. Despite its fame and the people who reside here, this is a quiet little

community. We like to keep it that way."

"I understand," I said.

"Yes, I expect you do."

He handed everything back to me.

"You'll have to think when you drive and not drive when you're upset. ma'am."

"I know," I said.

"Ordinarily, I would issue a ticket for that sort of reckless driving in our city, but you have a good man vouching for you. You can thank Mr. Eaton for this one Take it easier, and dry your hair soon." he added with a smile.

He started back to his car.

"Give me that ticket! I don't need anyone to vouch for me. especially Mr. Eaton." I cried, but he either didn't hear me or ignored me and got into his car. He pulled away first, leaving me fuming. I shoved everything back into my purse.

I was about to start off again, but stopped before putting my car into drive and sat back. letting the fire inside me diminish, Then I looked at myself in the mirror. My hair was still quite soaked.

I was a ridiculous sight. That young policeman certainly got a shock when he looked in at me, I thought, imagining what I looked like from his perspective. Suddenly, I began to laugh, I laughed so hard at myself. I couldn't stop even after my stomach started to ache. Tears rolled down my cheeks.

I choked and coughed and leaned against the car door until I was able to catch my breath. Finally, I started away again.