Then back at her.
For a moment, Naomi thought he might simply walk away.
Instead, Malloy pointed toward the road.
"Get out of the vehicle."
Naomi felt her heart beat harder.
"Am I under arrest?"
"I said get out."
She looked toward the shoulder.
There was enough room to exit safely.
"All right. I'm going to open my door."
Malloy stepped backward.
She unfastened her seat belt.
Placed the leather wallet inside her handbag.
Then slowly opened the driver's door.
The dent in the lower panel was visible beneath her hand.
Naomi carefully stepped onto the gravel shoulder.
Her black satin skirt moved in the breeze.
She straightened her clothing and stood beside the car.
Malloy looked her up and down.
"Hands where I can see them."
She placed her hands at her sides.
He stepped closer.
"Move toward the front of the car."
Naomi complied.
But as she walked, the hem of her long skirt brushed against the gravel.
She lifted it slightly with one hand.
Malloy grabbed her upper arm.
"I didn't tell you to touch anything."
Naomi winced.
"I'm lifting my skirt so I don't trip."
He shoved her toward the front fender.
Her palm struck the hood.
"Do what I tell you!"
She caught herself.
Then turned her head.
"Officer, I am complying. Please release my arm."
Malloy tightened his grip.
"You've got a real attitude."
Naomi looked toward the patrol cruiser again.
The red camera light was still blinking.
She hoped its recording would be preserved.
But she also knew that a recording alone did not guarantee accountability.
Someone had to retrieve it.
Someone had to verify it.
Someone had to examine the whole encounter rather than only the portion that supported an existing story.
She had spent enough years reading investigative reports to know how easily official descriptions could distort ordinary events.
Malloy moved closer.
"Now listen carefully. I can tow this car. I can write you up for driving without a license. And I can take you in if you keep being difficult."
Naomi stared at him.
"You can enforce the law. You cannot invent a violation."
His face reddened.
"Don't lecture me!"
He raised one hand sharply.
For a moment, Naomi thought he was going to strike her.
Instead, he slammed his palm against the hood inches from her arm.
The sound echoed across the lake road.
She flinched.
Malloy smiled at the reaction.
"There. Now maybe you're paying attention."
Naomi looked directly at him.