I got pulled over for speeding the other day... Most days, if travelling in uniform, the copper normally smiles and gives you a warning. But yesterday, I was not in uniform. I WAS travelling home from a long shift, and I had my mind on getting there quickly... I must have subliminally sent that message to my accelerator foot.. and then there was a black car right up my tukus.. and then I saw the lights flashing...
I pulled over on the verge of the highway.. nose in to protect the officer from passing traffic. He informed me of my alleged speed. I squirmed. I always feel guilty when talking to our states finest... Even though I am a boring, obedient citizen. I tried to think up an excuse. I hesitated over my work I.D, hoping he'd notice I was an ambo and let me off. No, this time I was gonna cop a fine. And then he walked to the front of my car, and I couldn't see him for a moment. In that instant a brief flash of relief as I pictured an unconscious, uniformed man in front of my car... one I could reverse away from and skip the fine... One I could administer life saving techniques on, and skip a fine... One I could... and then he stood up. Damn!
'Your tyres are bald, unsafe. I have to issue you with a defect notice', he gloated.
'Asshole', I thought. My poor car had travelled many, many kilometres in the name of duty, and had hit several roos, magpies and a wombat. I have been saving for a new car for a while, so when my partner offered to repair the front light with cable ties and 100mile tape, why would I object??? I was starting to regret my 'thriftiness'..
'Please, please, please don't make me get a road worthy,' I prayed to a God I don't believe in.
'Just 2 tyres this time', the wonderful officer said. I coulda kissed him.
Today I went to get the new, secondhand tyres. (Did I mention how thrifty I am?) The small town tyre joint couldn't fit 2 tyres til next week. I was horrified. I had hoped I could get the defect notice taken off my car before the weekend road trip I had planned. I gave my best smile, and 'come to bed' eyes (usually reserved for my hubby on Saturday nights)... but this tyre fitter was made of stone!
'Not til Tuesday' he said.
"No worries- just don't expect me to drop everything for you if you need ME, one day when I am working!" I thought... I am like an elephant that way... never forget! To his face I just smiled and thanked him anyway.
I coasted around to the other tyre place in Smalltown. The dusty old manager there was more than happy to help me out. He found two secondhandies, and sent me to Vicroads to make the appointment for the inspection. Appointment made, tyres replaced, defect removed.
Life is GOOD! (And I WILL NEVER, EVER TAKE morning tea to Smalltown copshop EVER again!
No comments:
Post a Comment