The Beginning Nearly Ended

So I roll into LA…  on a Friday…  during rush hour…  on the 10.  It was a parking lot. The lady next to me was doing a crossword puzzle…  and toking.  I turned up the radio and eased my seat back.  Then, I noticed something new; a rolling billboard.

Police shooting
Brown Datsun
CA License plate

Hmmm.  Interesting.

On the other side of me, the car ahead of him was a …  Brown Datsun…  Oh F BOMB!  I grabbed my cell phone to call 911.  Before I could press the second one a police helicopter was circling and a SWAT team was maneuvering and surrounding the car.  I immediately dropped to the floor board.

Multiple shots were fired.  I lost count.  I covered my head with my hands.  Shouting.  Then silence.
​Someone knocked at my car window.  It was a SWAT team member.
“You OK?”
I checked.  I wasn’t shot.  I crawled up into the car’s seat again.  “I think so.”
“Out-of-state plates.”
“Um.  Yes.  I’m moving.”
Grinning, “Welcome to LA.”

Dazed, I drove the rest of the way to Santa Monica, where Route 66 ends.  Thankfully, I didn’t end that day.

Santa Monica Pier

Happy to have gotten this fuzzy shot.