At 3:31, Sheriff Thomas Ryker saw her sedan.
And every concern Reed expressed began becoming real.
Ryker’s speed trap sat behind a faded furniture billboard just before Route 119 entered Oak Haven.
The speed limit fell from sixty-five to forty-five.
Sarah saw the sign early.
She reduced speed.
Forty-nine.
Forty-seven.
Forty-five.
Forty-four.
Ryker’s radar confirmed it.
He lowered the device.
Sarah passed.
For several seconds nothing happened.
Then a brown-and-gold cruiser pulled onto the road behind her.
Sarah looked at the rearview mirror.
No emergency lights.
She continued.
Forty-four.
The cruiser followed.
Sarah noticed its unit number.
Driver alone.
Sheriff markings rather than deputy.
She touched the steering wheel twice.
A subvocal microphone inside her collar activated.
“Possible contact. Unit 214. Oak Haven sheriff.”
No response came through the car.
That was deliberate.
Her team listened.
They did not speak unless necessary.
Ryker followed for nearly a mile.
Sarah stayed centered.
Turn signal at every lane shift.
No sudden braking.
No excuse.
Then blue lights flashed.
“Contact confirmed.”
She activated the turn signal and guided the sedan safely onto the shoulder.
Engine off.
Window down.
Both hands visible.
Ryker approached slowly.
Mirrored aviators.
Tan uniform.
Thick shoulders.
One hand near his belt.
“License.”
Sarah answered evenly.
“My license is inside my handbag on the passenger seat.”
“Get it.”
“I am going to reach toward the bag.”
“I said get it.”
Sarah slowly retrieved the wallet.
Ryker took the license.
His eyes dropped to the name.
“Sarah Hayes.”
“Yes.”
“Washington.”
“Yes.”
“What brings somebody dressed like you through Oak Haven?”
Sarah studied him.
“Travel.”
“Where?”
“Savannah.”
“Business?”
“Personal.”
Ryker looked into the car.
“Registration.”
“Rental contract is in the glove compartment.”
“Open it.”
Sarah did.
He barely looked at the document.
Then returned to her window.
“You know why I stopped you?”
“No.”
“Crossed the yellow line.”
“I did not.”
His chin rose.
“You calling me a liar?”
“I am saying my vehicle remained within its lane.”
“Radar had you at fifty-one.”
“Before the speed reduction.”
“You arguing now?”
“No.”
“Sounds like arguing.”
Sarah kept her hands visible.
“Are you issuing a citation?”
Ryker leaned closer.
“I'll decide what I'm doing.”
Sarah noticed his body camera.
A green indicator.
Active.