“Take your hands off me,” I said firmly. “You’re abusing your authority.”

That only made things worse.

The larger officer seized my arm, dragged me from the driver’s seat, and slammed me against the side of my car.

Pain shot through my shoulder.

His partner twisted my arms behind my back and tightened a pair of handcuffs around my wrists.

“You’ll spend a few hours in a cell,” the older officer sneered. “Maybe that’ll teach you some respect.”

My heart was pounding, but I refused to struggle.

“Are you absolutely certain you want to do this?” I asked.

He laughed.

“Is that a threat?”

“No. You’ve detained me without explaining why, used unnecessary force, and refused to identify yourselves. You still have an opportunity to correct this.”