— Unit 45, requesting immediate assistance. Suspected drug trafficking. The hearse is loaded with narcotics. Over. —

The officer maintained his composure, hand resting on his holster, as the driver began to panic, the reality of his predicament sinking in. It was clear now that the speeding hearse was not rushing to a funeral but was instead part of a desperate attempt to evade capture while moving an illicit shipment.

— Please, officer, — the driver pleaded, his earlier bravado shattered. — It’s not what it looks like. I was forced into this. They made me do it. —