ARRESTED

 Red / Blue flashing lights drifted  Basils’ eyes to the rearview mirror.  The approaching police car announced pull over with a short rendition of siren.  Basil slowed his Tesla and moved over to the shoulder. 

“Guess they need to make a quota.”  Basil anticipated and  opened the glove compartment to retrieve the registration.  “No officer yet.”  He dug out his worn wallet  and removed his drivers license, laying it on the seat beside the registration. The hunched form of a police uniform materialized beside the drivers’ side window. Basil instinctively pushed the window down button.

“Good evening.” Said the swarthy, bearded face.  “License and registration please.”

“I have it right here.” Basil handed him the items.

Without comment, the officer returned to his vehicle.

“Must think  I’m somebody else.” Talking to  invisible companions occurred organically for Basil.  He resisted admitting this habit developed from his long term technology relationship. He talked regularly  to his cel phone or laptop when conflicted over what was wanted and what the phone, app or program delivered.

The officer returned.  “ You have two serious issues sir. Drivers’ license expired three days ago” He paused. “And this  vehicle has been uninsured for nearly a month. I am placing you under arrest.  I will arrange to have your vehicle moved to an impound lot.”

“You have to be kidding me!” 

“I’m afraid not sir. These are serious charges.”

******

A rich baritone crackled over a loudspeaker. “Have I not been telling you about working seven days a week and taking no rest?”

“But…”

“Why do you think I rested on the seventh day?  Do you think I had no more work to do or I was tired?  Or maybe just on the lazy side?”

“Who is this?”

“You know.” 

Red / Blue flashing lights drifted  Basils’ eyes to the rearview mirror.  The approaching police car announced pull over with a short rendition of siren.  Basil slowed his Tesla and moved over to the shoulder. 

“Guess they need to make a quota.”  Basil anticipated and  opened the glove compartment to retrieve the registration.  “No officer yet.”  He dug out his worn wallet  and removed his drivers license, laying it on the seat beside the registration. The hunched form of a police uniform materialized beside the drivers’ side window. Basil instinctively pushed the window down button.

“Good evening.” Said the swarthy, bearded face.  “License and registration please.”

“I have it right here.” Basil handed him the items.

Without comment, the officer returned to his vehicle.

“Must think  I’m somebody else.” Talking to  invisible companions occurred organically for Basil.  He resisted admitting this habit developed from his long term technology relationship. He talked regularly  to his cel phone or laptop when conflicted over what was wanted and what the phone, app or program delivered.

The officer returned.  “ You have two serious issues sir. Drivers’ license expired three days ago” He paused. “And this  vehicle has been uninsured for nearly a month. I am placing you under arrest.  I will arrange to have your vehicle moved to an impound lot.”

“You have to be kidding me!” 

“I’m afraid not sir. These are serious charges.”

******

A rich baritone crackled over a loudspeaker. “Have I not been telling you about working seven days a week and taking no rest?”

“But…”

“Why do you think I rested on the seventh day?  Do you think I had no more work to do or I was tired?  Or maybe just on the lazy side?”

“Who is this?”

“You know.” 

“If it’s you God, I think imprisonment goes a little too far for just forgetting license renewals”

“You have quit going to church.  You spend next to zero time with Carolyn, not to mention your three beautiful children.  I can’t remember the last time you opened your Bible….actually, I can.”

“That’s not funny God.”  Basil bristled.  “My work supports my family.  It also allows Tammy, Brett and Susan to have a stay at home Mom.  There’s only so many hours in the day.”

“Remember what got you into this situation?  Your forget list stretches way too long.  You’ve known me long enough. I AM.  I do not rest at the top of your remember list”

“I admit Lord that I have  priority issues.” He stood up, lifting his arms in exasperation.  “But do I need imprisonment? “

Basils’ extended hands hit glass. The roof of the Tesla startled him back to consciousness.

He swiveled toward the rear window .  No police car. No officer.  However, on the seat beside him lay his drivers license and car registration. He retrieved them to check expiration dates.  

“Oh GOD! Thank you, thank you!” Basil felt an intense warmness radiate through his body. 

A Tesla can maintain a constant interior temperature even when parked, Basil now remembered pulling over on the late night drive home from work.  His body craved  a nap.  He fought off drowsiness until finding a wide pull over area. This warmth didn’t  come from the Tesla auto features.