She had learned to handle such incidents without allowing them to define her day.
But the Rolls-Royce attracted a different kind of attention.
It had belonged to her late aunt, a successful businesswoman who had built a company from a small family operation.
The aunt had died the previous year.
Her estate included several properties, investments, and the midnight-blue luxury vehicle.
The investigator inherited the car after a lengthy probate process.
She rarely drove it.
Most days, she preferred an ordinary sedan.
The Rolls-Royce was expensive to maintain, difficult to park in crowded areas, and far more conspicuous than she liked.
But she'd recently had it serviced, and its registration, insurance, and ownership documents were current.
She also planned to visit a relative near Hawthorne County after the courthouse appointment.
The drive offered an opportunity to use the vehicle on a longer trip.
She had no reason to believe doing so would create a problem.
At 10:36 that morning, she turned onto the road leading toward the county courthouse.
The sky was clear.
Trees lined the streets.
The historic square looked beautiful in the sunlight.
She drove slowly past the fountain, looking for an available parking space.
Then she noticed a tan sheriff's SUV pulling away from the curb.
Its driver turned his head sharply as she passed.
The investigator didn't think much of it.
The courthouse was a public building.
Sheriff's deputies regularly worked nearby.
She parked in a clearly marked public space beside the square.
Turned off the engine.
Checked her phone.
Then gathered her handbag and the appointment confirmation.
She had just stepped out when the patrol SUV stopped behind her car.
Two deputies emerged.
The older one approached aggressively.
"Ma'am, hold on right there."
She turned.
"Good morning."
"Who owns this vehicle?"
She looked at him.
"I do."
He glanced toward the Rolls-Royce.
"Let's see some identification."
"Of course."
She began opening her handbag.
Then he spoke again.
"Actually, don't reach for anything yet."
She stopped immediately.
The deputy looked toward his younger partner.
The younger man smiled.
Then the older deputy asked a question that made her pause.