The lock was still engaged.
He pulled once.
Then again.
The handle didn't move.
"Unlock it."
I reached toward the lock control.
Before my finger touched it, Mercer struck the side of the door with his palm.
"Now!"
My hand jerked away.
"I'm trying."
He stepped backward.
Then unclipped the baton.
Bennett moved forward.
"Sir, what are you doing?"
Mercer raised the black metal instrument.
"Getting her attention."
I lifted both hands toward the windshield.
"Officer, please. I'm not threatening you."
The deputy's voice sharpened.
"Mercer, there's no need for that."
For a moment, I thought he would stop.
Then Mercer struck the driver's-side window.
The first blow produced a sharp crack.
A spiderweb pattern spread across the glass.
I recoiled, raising my arms to shield my face.
"Stop!" I cried. "I'm unlocking the door!"
He struck it again.
The glass gave way.
Fragments scattered across the seat, my lap, and the gravel shoulder.
The sound was so violent that I barely registered what happened for the next second.
Then I heard Bennett shouting.
"Mercer! Stop!"
The senior officer leaned into the broken window.
"Get out!"
I was breathing too quickly.
My hands were trembling.
But I forced myself to speak clearly.
"I am unbuckling my seat belt. Please give me room."
I reached for the release.
Mercer grabbed my left forearm.
Pain shot through my shoulder.
He pulled toward the shattered opening.
Bennett stepped closer.
"Sir, let her open the door."
Mercer ignored him.
I managed to release my seat belt and press the door-unlock control.
The lock clicked.
Mercer opened the door so violently that it struck its limit with a hard metallic sound.
"Out!"
I stepped onto the gravel.
My sandal caught slightly against the uneven shoulder.
I stumbled.
Mercer seized my arm and pushed me toward the side of the car.
"Hands behind your back."
I knew that arguing would not make the situation safer.
So I complied.
The handcuffs closed around my wrists.
I looked toward the shattered window.
Glass covered the driver's seat.
A small fragment rested against the white fabric of my skirt.
I felt a thin sting near my wrist but could see no serious injury.
Behind me, Bennett spoke.
"Mercer, she hasn't threatened anybody."
The senior officer tightened his grip.
"She's obstructing."
I closed my eyes.
Then said something I had practiced telling other people during difficult encounters.
"Please note that I am complying and that I do not consent to a search."
Mercer laughed.
"Keep talking. You're just making it worse."
I looked toward the deputy.