186 plus HOW much?

    I've often been asked what I would do if pulled over for speeding: would I argue? or cry? or play the "I'm an attorney" card?
    Turns out I just do the doe-eyed thing.
    I was pulled over today for the first time in my driving career. Well, first time for speeding, anyway. Cheese State Patrol. Just past the end of a construction zone (ass-saving luck #1). I had just slowed down after passing someone (ass-saving luck #2). I pulled over carefully (even used my blinkers—didn't I say that I always do this?), turned off the music, and sat there having a heart attack until she walked up to the car (passenger side). Asked me if there was a good reason that I was speeding. "No...." (ass-saving maneuver #3?) I expected more debate. She just smiled. "I will give you a warning—but you need to slow it down and be more careful." Took my info and went back to the car. I sat there, looking at the farms and hills, thinking about the nature of luck. She brought back my info and the warning. "This will not go on your record, but you have to slow down. The warning saves you $186."    
    Holy fuck.
    OK, so here's the thing. Two days ago, I was driving north on the same road. On Friday night, I gave in to being bored out of my mind and tired of driving and out of sorts and whatever else brings someone to do something like this. I'd been passing and being passed by a guy in a Mercedes SUV since well before the midway point of my drive. We got to a place where it was possible to let loose, so I did. I passed him—going about 90 mph. Then he passed me, going about 95. Then I passed him. And so forth. We weaved around each other, frolicking like big stupid death-taunting puppies, for the next 50+ miles. It was fun, and silly, and incredibly dangerous. And right about the same spot where I had my conversation with the trooper (only facing the opposite direction), I was side-by-side with this guy, going 103 mph.
    I briefly thought about asking her what that ticket would have been, but decided that I didn't want to push my luck any more than I already had.
    Today, I took my time. It was a long drive, but interestingly low-stress. Strange how that works.