Stacy St. George
The motorcycle flew around the corner, exceeding the speed limit by ten miles per hour. California Highway Patrolman Robert Silver checked traffic, then pulled out behind the offender. He gunned the motor of his BMW R1250RT and easily caught up to the bike, turning on his siren and lights. Judging by the person’s slight stature, he was about to wreck a teenager’s day. I’d rather give a ticket than inform a parent that their child was in an accident. The rider used their turn signal and turned into a scenic pullout off Highway 101.
Robert parked his bike and shook his head as he walked towards the idling motorcycle. He used his most authoritative tone, one that worked well when his grown kids were young.
“Good afternoon. Please turn off your bike and take the key out of the ignition. I need to see your license, registration, and insurance.”
The person reached out a small hand and complied, tucking the key into a pocket. Deft movements produced the required documents.
Robert, expecting a teenage boy, blinked when a lovely middle-aged woman removed her helmet and pulled a strawberry-blonde braid over one shoulder. He looked down from her license to see a half-smile tugging at her shapely mouth. Her green eyes crinkled at the corners.
“Officer. It’s about time you pulled me over. I’ve been speeding for an hour. Of course, the scenery was worth it.” She gestured gracefully with an open palm over the guardrail to the churning waves below.
He rubbed the back of his neck. “Ma’am? You wanted to be pulled over? Do you understand that I’m issuing you a citation for speeding? You were going ten over.”
“Of course. That was the point.” She let loose a chuckle that reminded him of the melodious wind chimes on his porch.
“Can you explain, please?” His question came out with more bark than he’d intended.
Her lips trembled briefly before she met his gaze. “I guess it could be confusing unless you knew the backstory. My late husband and I were working our way through our bucket list. We didn’t get to this one.”
He softened his voice. “This one being…?”
“Oh, to get a speeding ticket! Of course, he was supposed to be the one driving, not me. It took a year to research and purchase a bike, take safety classes, and practice riding. But it’s worth it.” She beamed up at him. “Don’t you agree? So much freedom. You ride.” She nodded at his police-issued motorcycle.
He glanced at her license to verify she had her motorcycle endorsement. She did.
“Yes, I ride. It’s a wonderful pastime when done safely while following the legal statutes. However, you were not. My condolences on the loss of your husband, but it doesn’t excuse breaking the rules. Please wait here while I verify your information.”
“Certainly. Take your time.” Her gaze moved out over the expanse of the ocean.
He took her license and registration back to his bike, where he tapped the details into his computer. He generated the citation, wincing at the hefty fine. I can’t believe she was trying to get a ticket. That’s some serious loyalty to her late husband. She’s beautiful and gutsy.
He walked to her bike. She was still watching the waves roll in below but turned as he approached. He handed her the citation, license, and registration.
“Ouch. That’s expensive. Glad you warned me.” Her smile grew as her eyes widened. “Wait until I tell my kids. They’ll think I’ve lost my mind. You should’ve heard my son’s rant when he visited and spotted my bike in the garage.”
Robert allowed himself a smile and adjusted his hat. “I can only imagine. I’m sure he just has your safety in mind.”
“Probably. But I’m still going to live my life my way. Are we done here, Officer? Am I free to go?” She lifted her red helmet after tucking away her documents.
“Yes, ma’am. But please refrain from any more bucket list items that break the law.”
Her saucy smile lit her eyes. “No promises.”
He chuckled as he walked back to his bike. That lady has some gumption.
Pulling out behind her on the highway, he followed her for a few miles to ensure she was obeying the posted limits. She was.
***
The following week, outside his favorite coffee shop, a shiny red motorcycle caught Robert’s eye. His steps slowed as he read the license plate. BKTLST. Entering, he inhaled the rich fragrance of coffee. His gaze found Ms. Jamison at a table by the window, looking lost in thought. She’s just as pretty as I remember. His heartbeat quickened as he walked over to her. He wiped damp palms down the sides of his jeans. I feel like a teenager.
“Hi.”
Her head whipped up so fast that it dislodged the glasses on top of her hair. She scrambled to catch them, color suffusing her cheeks.
“Officer Silver. How nice to see you.” She paused. “Would you like to join me?”
“I’d like that. But please call me Rob.”
“Rob. I’m Ellie.” She tilted her head with a half-smile.
“Got it, Ellie. Let me order and I’ll be right back.” He whistled softly as he went to the register.
He returned with a mug of coffee and a slice of pumpkin bread.
“Care to share?” He gestured to the pumpkin bread, the scent of cinnamon spicing the air.
“Sure. Thanks. It’s one of my favorites.” She popped a chunk in her mouth, closing her eyes as she savored the first bite.
“Any more tickets? I saw your bike outside.” His lips tipped up.
She rolled her eyes. “No. I’m behaving.”
He cleared his throat.
“Would you like to ‘behave’ on a ride with me? I know some beautiful routes.”
A smile bloomed across her face as she held his gaze. “I’d like that.” She opened her notebook and crossed off another item on her new bucket list.
She and her husband live on the Pend ‘Oreille River, where they love interacting with nature. They are parents to three grown children and grandparents to three grandchildren. Stacy is also involved in small groups and mission work at church.
With a BA in Business/English from Washington State University, she recently retired from Healthcare Administration. When not writing, she enjoys hiking, skiing, paddle boarding, and cooking.
Her debut novel, Love, Emily, released in April 2025. Connect with Stacy at her website and Instagram.
Spark Flash Fiction 