Chapter 109

My diaphragm protested with sharp, stabbing pains each time I tried to gulp for air, and my lungs pressed against it too hard, forcing me to breathe shallowly to avoid provoking any more discomfort. I realized that this agony stemmed from a kick I had received earlier, right between my ribs and my stomach, for not complying with the female officer's demands.

I watched as she walked away from the police car where I had just been shoved inside, her stature short and burly and her age apparently in her late thirties. I bristled with indignation, my eyes burning with fury as I glared at the back of this cruel woman.

She seemed to take pride in her oppressive behavior as she made her way toward another officer standing nearby, her stubby arms sticking out from her sides, held almost at shoulder level. Her smug facial expressions only accentuated her sense of superiority, as if she wore it like a badge of honor.

However, my anger rapidly shifted to concern as I scanned