Forfeit - Part One

Mark sat at the light and didn't move. Behind him the horns of other cars threatened to form an orchestra. The driver immediately behind Mark leaned out of his window, waived his arm and screamed. The light turned red again, and the driver behind Mark cursed and held down his horn.

The light changed back to green, and Mark didn't move. The horns sounded again. The driver behind Mark got out of his car and came up beside Mark's door. He slapped the window by Mark's head. Mark didn't look.

"Move it asshole! What the fuck is your problem?"

Mark's hands sat on the steering wheel. His eyes pointed straight ahead. The man grabbed the door handle and pulled on it, but the door was locked. He kicked the door, denting it. Mark didn't move. The man spit on Mark's window. Mark didn't move.

The driver went back and got in his car. He edged around Mark, flipping Mark off as the light turned green a third time and driving away. Other cars followed his lead as the sound of sirens drew closer.

The inside of Mark's car lit up with flashing red and blue lights. A police car parked behind Mark. After a minute two officers exited and walked up on either side of Mark's car.

"Sir, roll down your window."

Mark didn't move. The officer rapped his knuckles on the window. Mark didn't move.

"Roll down your window, now."

Mark didn't move.

"Son you have about five seconds to comply or you are going to be in a world of trouble."

The officer's partner returned to the squad car and radioed for assistance. Within a few minutes another police car pulled up in front of Mark's car, blocking any attempt to move. The two officers inside exited and joined their colleagues.

"This is your last chance. If you do not roll down your window and present identification we will break your window and place you under arrest."

Mark didn't move. The officer's partner took his flashlight and smashed in the window on the passenger side. He reached in and pressed the button to unlock the doors. The first officer yanked the driver's side door open.

"Out of the fucking car! Get out and put your hands on the hood!"

Mark didn't move. The partner leaned in and unlocked Mark's safety belt. The officer outside Mark's door grabbed Mark's arm and pulled. Mark slumped against the officer, who lost his grip, and Mark's upper body fell to the pavement, his legs still sitting in the car. All four officers came together and pulled Mark from the car, handcuffing him as he lay on the street.

The officers searched Mark's pocket and took his wallet. As one officer ran his license, the other officers searched his car and ordered a tow. Mark hung limp as all four officers picked him up and dragged him to the back of a squad car. They lifted him into the back seat and shoved him over on his side with his hands handcuffed behind his back, then shut the door.

Mark didn't move.