So there I was, buying a car
I decided to buy a car, a while ago. My previous transportation, my Dad's old Lada Niva, had croaked. So I chose a shiny new (to me) Escort, and decided to buy that.

Off I went with my Dad (who's driving me there, for I will drive my shiny new ride back) to the building society for a cheque for the purchase price. But they can't do it, because some of the money hasn't been in there long enough or something. So they give me a cheque for something like £3K (or something), and £1400 in cash. Off I go, with my Dad, nervous as hell, as I've got this lot in my pocket. And this is before £50 notes, so it's in twenties, I think.

Halfway up the high street, I get stopped by a policeman and a security guard. They're looking for a shoplifter, and I fit the description. So I get detained. Said policeman says 'Right, you. Stand there. We'll get the witness, and if he identifies you, you're nicked.' So not Inspector Morse then. 'Drat,', I think. And 'Curse my rotten luck.' And similar.

So, they drive the witness past me in a van 'for his protection'. Right. At this point I'm a 9st Computer Science student. The only way I'd hurt anyone is if I drunkenly collapsed on them!

He says that it wasn't me. So I'm free to go. As I turn to leave, the security guard says to the policeman, "Well, they *said* a Paki* in a grey jacket, so that's what I found!"

Gee, thanks, all.

I got my car, which I happily whizzed around in (and christened) until... well, it came to a sudden stop. Exceedingly close* to some other cars. Oops.

* - OK, OK, slightly more than exceedingly close. But not by much!
(purplegod counting down for Christmas!, Thu 22 Jun 2006, 18:17, Reply)