The rest of the ride straight to work was smooth. It was as if the universe was against Richie; there were no more traffic stops on the way.

In no time, I reached the company. The tires screeched noisily against the floor as I abruptly pressed my feet on the brake and parked clumsily. I looked around for the cops' car as I locked my own, but there weren't any of their cars around, nor was the twinkle or sound of their red and blue light bars anywhere nearby.

"Good, I'm on time," I muttered to myself and hurried inside. I ignored the greetings I got as I rushed to...