And they certainly weren't expecting Internal Affairs investigators already to be concerned about the people connected to the towing scheme.
That miscalculation would prove disastrous.
The lead sergeant approached the driver's side.
He didn't greet her.
He didn't identify a specific traffic violation.
He simply looked at the supercar, then at the woman inside.
“Driver's license.”
The CEO remained calm.
“Certainly.”
She reached slowly toward her handbag.
The officer's eyes moved immediately to the bag.
“What's in there?”
“My identification and personal belongings.”
He frowned.
“Open it.”
She looked toward him.
“Are you asking me to show you my license?”
“I'm asking you to open the bag.”
The CEO paused.
Her security director had advised her to remain calm, avoid physical resistance, and clearly distinguish between complying with lawful instructions and consenting to searches.
She didn't want a confrontation.
But she wasn't willing to pretend that every demand was automatically justified.
“My license is in my wallet,” she said. “I'll retrieve it.”
The officer stared.
Then nodded sharply.
“Do it.”
She opened the handbag.
Removed her wallet.
And presented the license.
The sergeant examined it.
Then looked toward the car.
“Registration.”
She supplied the appropriate documentation.
The officer looked between the papers.
Then asked, “Whose car is this?”
“Mine.”
He gave a short laugh.
“Really?”
“Yes.”
“Bought it yourself?”
She looked directly at him.
“Yes.”
The sergeant's expression became contemptuous.
“That's a lot of car.”
She didn't answer.
He glanced at the white cape.
Then at the sequined skirt.
“What are you supposed to be?”
The CEO tilted her head.
“I'm sorry?”
“Some kind of celebrity?”
“No.”
“Influencer?”
“No.”
He smirked.
“Then how does someone dressed like that afford a car like this?”
She remained still.
The question had nothing to do with the registration.
She could hear the contempt beneath it.
And she noticed that the officer had already examined her license without returning it.
She looked toward his badge.
“Sergeant, may I ask why you've stopped me?”
His expression changed.
“You're being investigated.”
“For what?”
“Vehicle-related fraud.”
The CEO felt her stomach tighten.
She kept her voice steady.
“What specific concern?”
He looked toward the supercar.
“Possible stolen-property connection.”
She frowned.
“My registration is valid.”
“We'll verify that.”
“Of course.”
The sergeant stepped back.
He spoke quietly into his radio.
Then exchanged a glance with the veteran officer standing near the cruiser.
The younger officer approached the passenger side.
He looked nervous.
The CEO noticed.
“Officer, am I being detained?”