TRANCE

The sound of the siren was no longer in the distance and suddenly a panda car shot round the bend but the trained police driver managed to skid to a stop before the obstructing Escort. One policeman got out of the car and sauntered over to the Escort while his partner remained in the car talking into a microphone, presumably alerting other patrols about the Cortina. Andrew wound down his window.

“Is this your car, Sir?” enquired the policeman with polite authority, looking at Nigel.

“It certainly is Officer,” replied Nigel.

“In that case, Sir, may I see your qualifications as a driving instructor? May I also see your driving licence?” This last request was directed at Andrew.

The relevant documents were passed to the policeman. While he was studying them, Andrew was studying him. He was in his mid-twenties, about the same size as Andrew, blond haired and blue eyed. He was powerfully built and held himself with the confidence of his authority over others. He finished scrutinising the documents and passed them back.

“I’d like you both to blow into one of these please,” he instructed, fishing two plastic bags from his pocket.”

“You must be joking, Officer,” protested Nigel. “How could we have been drinking. There are no pubs open at this time of day?”

“True Sir,” conceded the policeman, “but you may have a nice supply of alcohol at home. So please blow into the bag!”

Andrew and Nigel complied with the request and as they expected the result was negative.

“Well, you are not under the influence, that’s for sure,” confirmed the policeman. “However, you will have to accompany me to the station. Follow me please. We’ll have your car towed in.”

“You haven’t even asked us what happened yet!” stormed Andrew, annoyed at the policeman’s brusque, efficient manner.

“You can tell me all about it at the station,” invited the policeman, turning towards the panda car.

Nigel put a hand on Andrew’s shoulder. “Relax,” he said. “He’s only doing his job.”

“I know,” said Andrew, “but does ha have to be so offensive?”

“I guess not,” replied Nigel. “Come on, we’d better go.”

Andrew and Nigel got out of the Escort and went over to the panda car. The policeman they had spoken to was stood by the driver’s window, having a word with his colleague. He turned to Andrew and Nigel as they approached.

“I wonder if I could trouble you to help move your car from the middle of the road?” he asked.

“It will have to stay here until we can get it picked up,” informed the policeman, when the car was in a safe position by the kerb.

It did not take long to get to the police station, just a matter of minutes. Andrew did not enjoy the ride, he was a little disturbed at having broken the law. It was true that they had been trying to uphold the law by foiling a criminal act but somehow he did not feel that they would receive too much gratitude. He had never been in trouble with the police before and had never had cause to visit the station. It was a small, one storey affair which boasted only two rooms. The main room contained a counter where the public made their complaints, and a few tables and chairs. The other room led off from the main room. It was small and contained only a table and two chairs. This was the interview room and it was here that Andrew found himself being questioned by the driver of the panda car. Nigel was being questioned by the other policeman in a corner of the main room. They were being kept apart so their statements could be compared afterwards.