This wasn't a routine traffic stop anymore.

And whatever Officer Haskell thought he had found, he was already convinced Terrence was guilty of something.

CHAPTER 2 — "STEP OUT OF THE VEHICLE"

Haskell returned with another officer.

"Mr. Cole, step out of the truck."

Terrence looked at him.

"May I ask why?"

"Step out."

Terrence unfastened his seat belt.

"All right."

He opened the door slowly and stepped onto the shoulder.

Cars passed in the nearest lane.

Some drivers slowed down.

Haskell pointed toward the rear of the truck.

"Stand over there."

Terrence complied.

A younger officer named Mills remained several feet away while the third officer began walking around the truck.

Haskell held Terrence's license.

"Do you know why I stopped you?"

"No."

"Vehicle matching a description."

"What description?"

"Dark pickup."

Terrence looked at his truck.

There were thousands of dark pickups in the county.

But he didn't say that.

Instead, he asked, "Description related to what?"

Haskell ignored the question.

"Anything in the vehicle I should know about?"

"No."

"Weapons?"

"No."

"Drugs?"

"No."

"Large amount of cash?"

"No."

"Anything illegal?"

"No."

Haskell studied Terrence's face.

"You seem pretty calm."

Terrence almost smiled.

"Would you prefer I wasn't?"

Mills glanced away.

Haskell didn't appreciate the answer.

"Most people get nervous when three officers stop them."

"I haven't done anything."

"That's what everybody says."

Terrence's expression changed slightly.

Not anger.

Recognition.

He had heard that sentence many times.

Haskell continued.

"We had a report involving a truck similar to yours."

"What report?"

"I'll ask the questions."

Terrence nodded.

"Then ask."

For the first time, Haskell seemed irritated.

Terrence noticed it immediately.

Haskell wasn't simply gathering information.

He wanted a reaction.

Terrence decided not to give him one.

"Can we search your vehicle?"

Terrence looked directly at him.

"No."

Haskell blinked.

"No?"

"I don't consent to a search."

Mills shifted his weight.

Haskell took one step closer.

"Why not?"

"Because I don't consent."