Michael lowered the window.
"Good afternoon, officer."
"Do you know why I stopped you?"
Michael thought for a moment.
"No, officer."
Jason looked serious.
"You changed lanes without signaling."
Michael looked surprised.
"I apologize if that happened. I didn't notice."
Jason asked:
"Can I see your license and registration?"
"Of course."
Michael calmly reached for his documents.
He handed them over.
Jason examined them.
Everything appeared normal.
The license was valid.
The registration was current.
The insurance information was correct.
But Jason continued questioning.
"Where are you coming from?"
"A community meeting."
"What kind of meeting?"
"Emergency planning."
Jason looked at him.
"Emergency planning?"
"Yes."
Jason glanced at the vehicle.
Then back at Michael.
"What do you do?"
Michael answered:
"I'm retired."
Jason waited.
Michael added:
"I work with community response programs."
The answer seemed too vague to Jason.
"Can you be more specific?"
Michael looked confused.
"I can."
But before he could explain further, Jason interrupted.
"Step out of the vehicle."
Michael looked at him.
"Is that necessary?"
Jason's tone became firmer.
"Sir, step out of the vehicle."
Michael slowly opened the door.
He stepped onto the street.