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RANDALL STEPPED INTO the small meeting room as the facilitator began calling the names on the roster for attendance. The Tri-County Sheriff’s Association was working to coordinate efforts to better communicate and support local law enforcement. Randall intended to mention the multiple warrant requests for Charlotte Carter that were still hung up. Chief Dorsett stopped him at the door. “Let’s take a walk.”
“I’m headed into the Sheriff’s meeting.”
“I know, come on.” The chief gestured toward the hallway leading to the rear exit of the station. They walked out to the parking lot behind the building and then across the street to a small municipal park. They sat down on the wooden bench.
“We just got word from Rest Haven that old man Garrett passed away.”
“Natural causes?”
Dorsett shrugged and looked away, totally disinterested, took out a bag of cashews and offered some to Randall. He declined and glanced around the area. There were bits of litter, random chalk drawings and a sign designating it the safest spot in Faucier County with stick figure children dancing around a merry-go-round. Evidence of children everywhere around them, but there were none. Randall looked at the man who called him away from the video conference to share a snack. No way. Where was the explanation for the prolonged administrative leave he had been forced to endure? He had just been released back to active duty with no details just hours ago. He was about to sprint over to City Hall for the marriage license and make things right with Reverend Mac. After the experience he just had, he was not in the mood to waste time. He gathered up his folder with all the information regarding the case and the login credentials for the virtual conference. Maybe he could still catch the Q&A segment at the end. Dorsett took the folder from him and placed it on the bench out of his reach.
“I want to give you a heads-up,” he said without making eye contact. “I’ll be making an announcement after this year’s election. This thing is bigger than Gundry. You know that, right? The governor is pushing for changes that bring more people into the region. More people, more problems. Then, it takes more police to deal with the problems and more money for the police department budget. It’s a vicious cycle. You follow me?”
He stuffed his hand inside the bag and fiddled with a few cashews in the palm of his hand, brushing away the salt. “My wife said I need to watch my sodium intake,” he said through pursed lips. “She’s probably right.” He tossed the cashews in his mouth, shook the bag a few times, and looked up toward the clouds on the horizon.
“I’ve got to make a decision about what’s best for me and my family. You know my grandson is headed to college? Hard to believe it. Whichever way the election results end up, I want to assure you that either way, you’ll be taken care of.” He wiped his fingers across his lap then reached in the bag for more. “Did you know it was your father’s recommendation that got me on the force? He introduced me to my beautiful bride. She was selling tickets for one of the fundraisers at our lodge. Why aren’t you a member? The application is just a formality, you know that, right?
“Yes, I just haven’t ... I’m not ...” Randall had to watch himself. He wasn’t sure what was happening with this conversation. “I’ll have to make time to do that, Chief.”
“Of course, you’re young ... and busy.”
“What about this case with ... I’ve been focused on ...” He reached for his folder.
“Let the sheriff departments deal with that. We’re handing it off to them. They can bring the Feds in if necessary but take your mind off that one. I owe it to your father to help you keep your hands clean. Remy was a good man. May he rest in peace.”
“I have a beautiful bride of my own, Chief.” Randall was losing his patience and from the sound of things, possibly his job. He took a deep breath and continued, “And a direct threat to her well-being is having Charlotte Carter still at-large, as you are fully aware. Now with a second homicide in Magnolia Grove, you’re asking me to step back from these investigations?”
“That’s exactly what I’m telling you to do. There are many types of threats. Some more dangerous than others.” Dorsett threw the paper bag on the ground and stood up. Randall stood up with him, straightened his back to match his height.
“You knew my father. Is that what he would expect me to do?” he said to this man, a champion that within a twenty-minute conversation had become a stranger.
“Keep your priorities straight and you’re going to have an incredible career, young man.”
Chief Dorsett patted his shoulder and walked away. Randall watched him walk across the lot to the police headquarters. The security team managing the cameras mounted on the roof pivoted one to follow the chief. The second one remained trained on Randall.