"For what reason?"
"We're conducting an inspection."
"Of motorcycles?"
"Of whatever we decide needs inspecting."
She slowly removed her helmet.
Her face was striking, but it wasn't her appearance that changed the atmosphere.
It was her expression.
Calm.
Focused.
Controlled.
She looked like someone accustomed to being listened to.
The deputy didn't recognize the look.
He pointed toward the shoulder.
"Stand over there."
The woman dismounted.
The second deputy immediately moved toward the Ducati.
She stopped him.
"Please don't touch the motorcycle without explaining the legal basis for your search."
The deputy froze.
The senior deputy laughed.
"You an attorney?"
The woman removed her gloves.
"I asked a straightforward question."
"You're at a county checkpoint."
"I can read the sign."
His expression hardened.
"You got a problem with deputies doing their job?"
"That depends on what you believe your job permits."
The traffic behind them continued.
But several drivers had begun slowing down.
Some were watching through their windows.
One person had already taken out a phone.
The senior deputy held up her license.
"You know what bothers me?"
She waited.
"I suspect you're about to tell me."
"A woman riding alone on a motorcycle worth more than some people's cars."
For the first time, something resembling disbelief appeared in her eyes.
"That bothers you?"
"A bike like this gets stolen."
"So do pickup trucks."
The deputy's jaw tightened.
"You getting smart?"
"No."
She pointed toward the Ducati.
"I'm waiting for you to explain why ownership documents matching my license aren't sufficient."
The deputy stared at her.
Then looked toward his partner.
"Run the VIN."
The younger deputy walked back toward the cruiser.
A minute later, he returned.
"VIN's clean."
"Run it again."
"I already did."
"Run her."
The woman crossed her arms.
"You already have my license."
"Then you've got nothing to worry about."
She gave him a faint smile.
"That phrase usually means the opposite."
The Handcuffs
Five minutes passed.
Then ten.
The younger deputy returned.
"No warrants."
The senior deputy looked annoyed.
"Registration?"