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police officer smiled and snatched my phone . Trying to turn it on he realised something was wrong , handed it back and I think he said it was broken . I shrugged .
“ Jalal-Abad ?” I asked and he pointed in the direction from where I ’ d come , then with two fingers held up suggested I turn left . Was that the second left or left then left ?
“ Da ,” he agreed to both . Oh well , left it would have to be .
As I placed my helmet on my head , the officer reached out and held my arm , it wasn ’ t a menacing hold but felt as if something more was needed . I looked him directly in the eye , his steely glare suggested he was serious , I could feel a rush throughout my body , the adrenalin was starting to flow .
“ Dva ,” again , the two fingers went up .
“ Da ,” I nodded and pointed down the road .
“ Nyet ,” his gripped tightened . His two fingers were now being caressed by his thumb . “ Dva .”
Shit ! He was hitting me up for a payment . An occurrence that had already taken place twice on this ride . I knew that ‘ dva ’ meant he wanted two hundred Kyrgyz Som , about three Australian dollars , but there was no way I was going to give in ; besides he didn ’ t need to see what was in my wallet . A wad of cash might lead to more problems .
“ Nyet ,” I reinforced , twisting my arm enough that his grip loosened as the soldier stepped forward . I continued to watch both as I started the bike and confidently rode away .
“ Dva ,” I heard the police officer yell . A glance in the mirror , I saw him pointing to the left . I waved , both he and the soldier waved back , laughing . I couldn ’ t help laugh in return . Respect to them for trying .
Choosing the second left I quickly found myself on a road that took me past a sign I recognised ‘ Jalal- Abad ’, in that regard the officer had
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