I wasn't thinking about how I was driving the car when I took the U-turn off the Northern State Parkway at an excessive speed. In the middle of the U-turn I saw the police cruiser. I knew that a speeding ticket was about to be issued.

I didn't stop when I reached the straightaway of Hunters Lane. No sirens. Lucky, so far. However, the cruiser was right behind me in my rear-view mirror. The policeman was tailing me!

I made the first right turn onto Marshall Lane and so did the policeman. I must have been doing three miles an hour at this time. I pulled into my driveway and with great trepidation got out of my car.

The police cruiser pulled in right behind me.

I knew I was in deep doo-doo.

The officer came over and said firmly, "You were going a little bit too fast, weren't you?"

"I'm sorry officer. I can't deny that I took that turn a bit rapidly."

"What's your rush? Speeding in your own neighborhood is not a great idea."

"Again, officer, I can only say I'm sorry. I won't do it again."

This conversation was taking place in my own driveway. All my neighbors were peering at this dialogue between a Nassau police officer and their next door law-abiding homeowner. Shame! Shame!

Amazingly enough I was not issued a ticket. The officer felt a reprimand was sufficient. I was obviously relieved at this happy ending. I could never negotiate that curve again without thinking of this incident.

However, I fantasized another ending that could have happened if only I had the nerve and bravado.

I should have pulled into my driveway (with the police car on my tail) and used my garage door opener. I should have pulled into the garage and closed the door behind me. Then I would run upstairs and get into my pajamas. When the policeman rang the doorbell I would come downstairs yawning and stretching my arms as if I had just been awakened from a nap. I would sleepily deny any transgression. What a dream!

I still laugh at this silly prank that never happened.

I truly prefer the real-life ending but I snicker at my fantasy.