” Do you mind if I look for my passport in my bag?” I said somewhat nervously as I sat in my car on a dark lonely Los Angeles Street.”

“Yes okay,” he said but he jumped backwards with his hand on his holster ready to shoot.

* * *

1 minute earlier…

“Have you been drinking?” he asks forcefully.

“No.”

“Well how come I can smell alcohol on your breath?”

“I don’t know. I don’t drink.”

“Well how come I can smell alcohol?”

“Ummm… maybe because you’ve been drinking it officer?” (Okay this was internal dialogue I wasn’t actually that brave.)

* * *
3 minutes earlier…

I am sitting in my borrowed 1985 Mercedes Benz with my hands in the air. This was not requested, I just assumed it was the safest thing to do.

“Wind down your window?”

I nervously try and find the button, I’m sure I’ve heard rumours about cops in LA shooting first and asking questions later.

“Did you know you rolled through a compulsory stop back there?”

“Yes. I’m sorry. I’m from New Zealand. I was driving on the freeway and I got lost.”

“Hmmm. New Zealand?” His inner dialogue (Where the hell in New Zealand? This guy doesn’t look Japanese”)

* * *

Finally…

“Well your story seems to corroborate?” He said this suspiciously?

“Thats because it’s true.” This one I actually said.

“Well since your new here I am going to throw you a bone and let you off.”

“Thank you very much Officer.”

ENDS.

P:S: I know this is more than 7 sentences but the rules should never get in the way of a good story especially when it’s true.