Lowell scoffed. “You were speeding. The fine is five hundred dollars. Pay now.”
The driver’s voice trembled. “Sir, I was not speeding. I do not have that kind of money.”
Lowell leaned closer, his tone threatening. “Do not argue. Show me your license and registration.”
The documents were handed over and checked. Everything was in order.
Lowell tossed them back. “Paperwork is fine. You still pay the fine. Three hundred in cash or your taxi gets impounded.”
Alicia watched every movement, every word, committing them to memory. She saw how Lowell stepped into the driver’s space, how his voice grew louder.
“Please,” the driver said desperately. “I have only earned fifty today. I have children at home.”
Lowell grabbed him by the collar and shoved him. “If you do not have money, you should not be driving.”
That was when Alicia opened the taxi door and stepped out.
She positioned herself beside the driver and faced the officer. “You have no legal reason to detain him. He broke no traffic law, and you just assaulted him.”
Lowell turned, startled by her calm confidence. “Mind your business. Get back in the car.”
“This is my business,” Alicia replied evenly. “You are abusing your authority.”
Lowell’s face flushed with anger. “Fine. Take them both in.”
They were brought to the precinct without explanation.
Inside the station, Alicia and the driver, whose name was Daniel Cruz, were made to sit on a bench. Daniel’s hands shook as he stared at the floor, thinking about his family and his taxi. Alicia sat upright, silent, watching.
Lowell sat nearby and answered a phone call openly.
“Yes,” he said. “That situation is handled. Your name will not appear. Just have the payment ready.”
Alicia heard every word.
She leaned slightly toward Daniel. “Stay calm,” she said quietly. “I am observing everything.”
Daniel looked at her, confused and frightened. “Who are you. Why did you not stop him.”
“Because corruption has to be proven,” Alicia said softly. “Not assumed.”
Daniel was later called into Lowell’s office. The officer spoke casually, telling him that three hundred dollars would make the problem disappear. Daniel begged again, explaining that he did not have that much money. Lowell made it clear that refusal would mean losing his taxi and his livelihood.