He stared at me.
For several seconds, he said nothing.
Then he snapped, "You always ask this many questions?"
I kept my voice calm.
"I'm telling you where the documents are so you know what I'm doing."
He glanced toward the passenger seat.
Then toward the back of the car.
For a moment, he seemed disappointed that nothing suspicious was visible.
Finally, he said, "Get them."
I reached slowly for my handbag.
My credential wallet was inside, beside my ordinary driver's license.
I could have produced the official identification immediately.
I could have explained my new appointment.
But I was being stopped as a private citizen, and I wanted to understand the reason for the stop before introducing my professional position.
I found my license.
Then retrieved the registration.
I handed both through the window.
Mercer looked at the name.
Then at me.
His expression changed slightly.
"Whose car is this?"
"Mine."
He glanced toward the registration.
"Expensive car."
I didn't answer.
He looked toward my clothes.
Then toward the back seat.
"Where are you coming from?"
"A community event."
"What kind of event?"
I took a breath.
"Officer, can you tell me why I was stopped?"
His jaw tightened.
For several seconds, he stared.
Then he leaned closer.
"Because I wanted to check something."
I looked directly at him.
"Was there a traffic violation?"
He smiled without warmth.
"You trying to tell me how to do my job?"
"No. I'm asking the reason for the stop."
His expression hardened.
Behind him, Deputy Bennett looked down at his mobile terminal.
Mercer took one step backward.
Then said, "Step out of the car."
I remained still.
"Officer, may I ask why?"
His voice rose.
"Because I said so."
At that moment, I understood that the encounter was no longer about identifying a possible traffic violation.
It was becoming a contest over whether I would accept his authority without question.
And that was exactly the kind of encounter I'd spent years investigating.
I knew that officers could lawfully order drivers out of vehicles during traffic stops conducted on a valid basis. I also knew that an order to exit did not automatically give them permission to search a car without consent or another lawful justification.
So I nodded.
"All right. I'll unbuckle and step out."
Mercer moved closer.
"Don't move until I tell you."
I froze.
He had ordered me out and then told me not to move.
I looked at him.
"Officer, I can't do both."
His eyes narrowed.
Behind him, Bennett raised his head.