“Hey, Logan, thanks for coming in this morning on your day off.” Sheriff Kim Yost greets me as I enter the station. “Sorry you didn't have more time to settle in after being gone.”
“Not a problem, boss. Kramer out on patrol?”
“He is; went out thirty minutes ago.” Kramer is another Sergeant on the force.
She's filling her coffee mug and lifts it to point at my thermos as if to ask if I want it filled. I nod and hand it over, thanking her. “I'll make the rounds and be back to see mom around lunchtime.”
“Sounds good. Can't be missing your date.” She grins.
I chuckle. “Not if I can help it. So how's Warren and Maggie? Any word on the baby?”
One of our deputies, Corporal Warren Lusk, and his wife are expecting their first child any moment now so I had no problem coming in to cover his shift.
“Nothing yet. Warren's mom has been sending updates. I'm sure Warren's pretty well focused on being by Maggie's side. She's ready to pop at any time.”
“That's a lovely way to put it. And they're positive she's carrying only one baby?”
Poor Maggie had gotten huge over the course of the last thirty-eight weeks. She'd been on best rest for the past month due to developing preeclampsia. Her blood pressure nearly doubled, and the swelling in her legs and feet made it painful to walk.
Kim softly snorts. “Last report was only one bun in the oven. Sure would be one helluva surprise to have another show up.”
“I couldn't imagine,” I groan. Never having had children myself, I honestly couldn't imagine what the entire experience would be like. “Alrighty, heading out. Radio if ya need me for anything.”
She slaps the top of the counter twice. “Will do. Be safe.”
“Always.”
I grab the necessary gear, my thermos of coffee, and keys to the SUV, and after making sure the vehicle is good to go, I head out. I take a tour around Cascade, thankful the roads are manageable. No calls came in about any crashes or power outages, which was a blessing. The snowfall last night remained a dusting that didn't weight down branches, allowing them to take down any lines. County and city workers were scouting potential dangers, trying to be preemptive in avoiding problems.
And miracle of miracles, there were no outstanding warrants for any personnel I'd have to locate and or chase down. Although the day is young, I'm still keeping my fingers crossed for an uneventful shift.
After cruising through town, I make my way south on Highway 55 to Smiths Ferry and exit the highway to loop through High Valley which is near the most southern point of our county boundary. My route keeps me along the eastern border, sticking to the 55 Corridor. With the greater portion of the county being forested, dotted with tiny towns and campgrounds, patrols will easily shift from highway vehicles to ATVs, UTVs, and snowmobiles this time of year.
Gets me thinking about air patrol, wondering if Piper would ever consider remaining and taking a job in that capacity. Makes me wonder about her plans altogether. Her return home was spurred by her mom, Dawn, suffering a debilitating stroke. Although yesterday had been the first time I'd seen Piper in years, she looked like she was holding together just fine. Well, except for her defenses going up and not wanting to discuss her mom in any way, shape, or form, it seemed.
Was it simply too soon? I realize we really don't know each other and I guess my attempt at being neighborly didn't go as I'd envisioned. Maybe she'd been putting on a terrific front up until now and was too close to losing it. Just like when she lost her father, Thomas. I can understand her not wanting to do that in the face of a stranger.
I swallow my regret at not being here to assist in any way with Dawn's transition into the rehabilitative care and assisted living facility. We'd grown fairly close due to the fact my mom and Dawn had become friends before my mom also suffered from a stroke. Both are in the same care center and I'm looking forward to visiting them today. Will Dawn remember me? I don't know anything about the extent of her condition or how her mental faculties were affected.
No matter. The entire situation fucking sucks. No child wants to see their parent go through health issues of any kind. Hell, no child wants to lose a parent they loved dearly, as Piper did with her father. Dawn spoke about the bond they shared. What always puzzled me were Piper's infrequent visits. I got a hint of something happening in her past but I never stuck my nose where it didn't belong. I knew she served in the Army flying Black Hawk helicopters and when she got out, she became employed with a company that shuttles supplies to oil rigs in the Gulf of Mexico.
And I know she's gorgeous. My chats with Dawn resulted in many discussions about Piper which included pictures. Seeing her in person only proved that fact. Hell, she wasn't even dressed to impress with her hair twisted up, wearing flannel pants and a sweater, looking like she recently tumbled out of bed. And damn if that thought doesn't have my mind going places where it probably shouldn't go at the moment. The woman is dealing with a plate full of heartache and the last thing I want to do is add anymore to the mix.
Not that I'd cause her heartache. I'd love to take it all away. Our situations aren't all that different so I can understand where she's at to a certain extent. While our moms may be going through similar health concerns, I lost my dad long ago.
No time to dwell on that. Mom became my rock, and the short relationship I'd developed with Dawn had become priceless. I chuckle at memories tickling my conscience, when my initial sneaking suspicion about Dawn's matchmaking plot was confirmed the last time we spoke. Before I left for training three weeks ago, she admitted to wishing Piper would finally settle down with a nice man such as myself and one day give her grand kids.
Yep, can't get anymore straightforward than that. I'd laughed, only to have Dawn say, “What? It could happen. You'd make a fine son-in-law.”
Those words warmed my heart, and even now cause a bit of a pang in my chest.
Am I husband material? My wife didn't think so, but then we were young and admittedly stupid. Since our divorce I'd stayed away from developing relationships and kept my few dealings with women to casual flings.
But now? Well now as I approach my forty-sixth year, I wonder if it's not too late for a meaningful relationship. Could I have that with Piper? Hell, she doesn't even know me. And the only way I know her is through plenty of second-hand information from her mom. Piper could very well have someone back in Texas waiting for her. Funny how that thought stirs a feeling of jealousy in my gut that's inexplicable.
Had I subconsciously developed something for her?
“All right, Shaw, focus,” I tell myself. Getting back onto the highway, I continue south to the county line, making sure there aren't any concerns such as accidents, stranded vehicles, or an unfortunate road kill. Typically animals are hibernating or settling down for the winter, but there are wanderers, and it isn't uncommon to see deer, elk, or even wolves, as well as smaller species such as raccoons, opossum, and porcupines.
With a clear highway and no problems to report, I make my way north again. I cruise across county roads along the way and when I pass through Cascade, I radio in to the department and continue on toward Donnelly. Once there, deciding it's time for fresh coffee and a snack, I pass the local motel and pull into the Stinker store for a pit stop. Scanning the area, I notice a handful of cars present with one fueling. I exit my vehicle and take a second to stretch my back before walking inside. I'm engulfed by the ever-present mixture of coffee, fried foods, and car fresheners, immediately making me want to leave the door open, allowing for some fresh air to follow in my wake.
Taking in the surroundings, making note of who's in the store, I wave to the young gal behind the counter. She offers a big smile with a greeting.
“Mornin', Sergeant Shaw.”
“Morning, Casey. How's your day so far?” I step to the coffee station and help myself, filling my thermos.
“Pretty quite. Gives me a chance to study.”
“Yeah? Watcha studying?”
“Nursing. Well, you know that.” She giggles as she reaches below the counter, pulling out a textbook. “Got microbiology coming up so I figured I'd get a head start.”
I head toward the counter, grabbing those snacks along the way. “Smart thinking. Never was much of a science guy myself until I had to take medic courses in the Marines.”
“That's cool. In all the time I've known you, I never knew how you find your way to the Sheriff's department.” She rings up my purchases and I pass her my card.
“Long-story-short, I was in communications then became an MP.”
She nods and hands back my card. “Military Police.”
“Did twenty-one years and got lucky enough to get on with Valley County when I came back home.”
“Did you get to travel overseas? I sometimes think I'd like to volunteer for the Doctors Without Borders program but Dad worries I'd be kidnapped or something.” She rolls her eyes and makes an exasperated expression that has me chuckling. But then I sober, realizing her dad certainly has cause to worry.
“That's a noble cause and has its rewards, but your dad's a smart man, and unfortunately he's got a point. Not saying you couldn't have a problem-free tour, but in my opinion, programs like that can be targeted by unscrupulous individuals or groups.”
“Yeah, but isn't there, like, protection or something?”
“Not necessarily. Depends on their location, budget, and relations with the region they're attempting to aid. If you pursue it, research carefully.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I see Fred, her father coming out from the back. “Best thing you can do is stay right here in America and help our own. We've got veterans living on the streets, hardworking people who can't even afford healthcare, not to mention–”
“I get it, dad. As a CNA, I get to help with health screenings at the schools, and didn't I volunteer for that veteran event just last month?”
He smiles at her while placing his arm across her shoulders. “You did, and I'm proud of you. So keep it up.” He winks before turning toward me.
“How's your shift going, Logan? All's well out there?”
“So far, so good, been a nice morning. Headed up to McCall for a lunch date with my gal.” I step to the side, allowing a customer to step to the counter.
Fred drops his arm from around his daughter, letting her work. “How is your mom?”
“She's good, thanks for asking. Got about as much function back as she'll ever get. On-going hip problems so she'll continue using a wheelchair. But she's talking well, learning to use her left hand for several activities, and she loves the center where she's at, so I guess I can't ask for more.”
“Well, ya could, but hey, as long as she's happy, that's great.”
We nod at one another. “Better get back to it. You two take care.”
“You too,” Fred says.
“Be safe, Sergeant Shaw,” Casey says.
“Always.”
I make my way out of the store, bypassing a family headed inside. I reach my vehicle, but before I can grab my keys, I hear a scream.
“Help me! Somebody, help me!”
I place my thermos and snacks on the hood while scanning the area from where I think the scream came from. Another guy in the parking lot points to the motel.
“I think over there?”
I nod and start running toward the motel behind the store when I hear it again.
“Please, somebody help me!”
I round the building to the front of the motel and see a frantic young woman standing by an older model car. No one else is in sight. When she spots me, she rushes to me and attempts to pull me to the car.
“Officer, please, help! I accidentally locked my car and my baby's inside! The car's running! Everything's in there! I couldn't get to my phone and I didn't want to leave my baby!”
She's hysterical, and rightfully so, rambling on while I follow her to the vehicle. I remove her hands from me to ensure she doesn't grab a weapon, even if by accident. Through the clear window I see an infant snuggled in a pink blanket, sitting in its seat, smiling as if all's right in her world. Thankfully she isn't older and able to climb out of her seat. I'd witnessed that with a toddler in a running vehicle who managed to put it in gear. Luckily, it ended well with the toddler safe.
“She's okay,” I start to reassure the woman. “She's safe. You were right in staying at your vehicle. I'll get it unlocked and it'll be fine. But in order to do that, I'll need to get my vehicle.”
“No! No, please don't leave! What if–”
“Ma'am,” I start in a calm voice, holding her arms. “Your baby is secure in her seat. Nothing bad is going to happen.”
At this point, another patron from the motel exits their room, looking in our direction. And in my periphery, I see the guy from the store parking lot approaching. “Can I help?” he asks. I'd like to believe the best in people, but I don't know this man, and chances are neither does this panicked mother.
“Appreciate the offer, but I'm going to ask you to remain right there.”
Just then, Fred rounds the corner. “Logan?”
“Fred, come here, please.” Keeping my voice as neutral as possible, I quickly introduce Fred to the woman. “He runs the store. He's a trusted friend. He's going to wait right here with you while I get my vehicle so I have the proper tool to open your car.”
“Just bust the window! I don't care! Please, just get my baby out!”
Fred steps to the woman who can't be much older than his daughter, Casey, who is twenty. “Logan's gonna get your baby, you'll see. I'll stay right here with you while he gets his vehicle. Won't take but a jiffy.”
When it looks like she's beginning to calm down, I nod at Fred then race back toward my SUV. I notice the other gentleman had left, obviously realizing it was time to move on with his own business. Once I get to my vehicle, it takes less than a minute to return. Fred seems to have done a nice job keeping the mother calm as she silently stares through the window, watching her baby.
I grab the lockout tool, some still refer to as a slim jim, and make my way to the driver's door. With a little finesse, I get the door unlocked in no time at all. I crawl inside, turn off the vehicle, and reach the back door, pulling up on the spindle lock. The gal was eagerly poised at the door and rushes to open it, still frantic to get to her child. She pulls the little girl out of her seat and squeezes her tight, still crying while trying to say thank you. Only then does the baby–who'd remained calm during the entire process–start crying.
Fred steps next to the young gal and encourages her to lessen her hold on her child.
“Come here and have a seat,” he says, guiding her to a bench in front of the motel. “Your baby's perfectly fine but if you keep squeezing her like that she may not be.”
“I'm so sorry,” she sobs. “I'm so sorry.”
I'm not sure if she's answering Fred or apologizing to her baby. Fred's doing an awesome job reassuring her. I take the keys out of the ignition and shut the doors before walking over to them. I kneel in front of her as she's beginning to quiet. Fred pulls out a handkerchief–an honest-to-God handkerchief–and hands it to her.
“Thank you,” she says quietly while wiping her face.
At this point, the baby stops crying when Fred makes goofy faces at her, getting her to giggle.
“Are you traveling alone, ma'am?”
“Bonnie, my name's Bonnie, and yes, I'm alone. Well, except for Melinda.” She smiles down at her laughing daughter. “I thought I could make it home to Riggins but I was so tired last night, and with the snow, I decided to stop.”
“Smart of you to do so.” I noticed her car had plenty of belongings in it. “You moving back home?” The look she gives me is suddenly filled with fear, putting me on alert. “Hey, you're safe. No one is going to hurt you.”
“I left. I had to. My boyfriend” – she takes an audible swallow – “He, he hit me. A couple of times. He threatened to hurt Melinda.”
I notice Fred tense but remain quiet.
“You did the right thing then, getting you and Melinda away from harm. Do you think your boyfriend is following you?”
“Maybe? But he probably won't even bother. And he doesn't have a car of his own.”
“Does he know you're from Riggins?” She only nods as she looks down at her daughter.
“Have you had breakfast, young lady?” Fred asks.
Bonnie looks a little startled at the question as she looks from me to Fred. “Um, no, no I figured I'd eat once I got home. I fed Melinda and wanted to get on the road.”
“How about you take a minute and come meet my daughter, Casey. She's over at our store.” He nods in that direction. “She's about your age. We'll get you something to eat and get you squared away for the rest of your drive home.”
Bonnie looks once again between me and Fred a few times, and I simply smile and nod to her. “You'll like Casey. She and her dad are good people. I think it'd be smart for you to take a few more moments to settle yourself before you get on the road.”
She nods and stands. “Thank you. Thank you so much.”
I hand her, her keys. “You're very welcome. How 'bout you grab your purse and we'll head over to the store?”
Half an hour later I wrap up with Bonnie and check in with Kim. I'd gotten more information from Bonnie, like her daughter being only eight months old. She also gave me the name and a description of her boyfriend. Not much could be done in the way of a restraining order since she'd left Meridian where she'd been, but at least the authorities had been notified. I also advised Bonnie to call home and let her parents know she'd be on her way. Leaving her in capable hands with Fred and Casey, I'm heading toward McCall, only a little behind in my schedule.
I'm grateful the incident wasn't worse, but I'm still fuming over the fact that some piece of shit human being would stoop to hitting a young woman. I've seen a lot in my forty-five years, but abuse to women or children fires me up like nothing else.
I tell myself to calm down and concentrate on my drive. I'll definitely be following up from time to time with the department up in Idaho County to ensure Bonnie and Melinda are doing okay.
Once I make it to McCall, I stop at the Huckleberry Garden health food store. I've always enjoyed their selection of goods, and the new owners have added fresh baked breads and other items from local craftsmen. I decide to pick up something for Mom and Dawn, hoping they'll enjoy the surprise.
When I get to the care facility and check in, I'm informed the two are together in the common room. After Mom had her stroke, which was three years ago. Dawn would visit and read to her, and that's when our friendship had started. Now I'm more than curious to learn Dawn's condition and how the stroke affected her.
Walking into the room, I immediately spot them sitting by a window. Mom's reading from a book while Dawn looks on. As I get closer, they both turn, and their smiles nearly bring tears to my eyes. While my mom's face has recovered, no longer drooping or affecting her speech, it's evident Dawn isn't there yet. Her left eye is nearly closed and the left side of her mouth hangs down with her lips parted.
“Our handsome date is here, Dawn, and it looks like he may have brought us goodies.”
“I have, indeed.” I pull up a chair and sit facing them both, holding up the bag in my hand. “I've got raisin bread and cranberry muffins, baked fresh this morning, purchased at the Huckleberry.”
“Ooo, wee, aren't we some lucky ladies?”
Dawn remains silent but nods emphatically. I thank God for small miracles when I realize she can at least understand and respond, even if it's just a head shake. I set the bag down on the table and take a hand from each of them. “I'm the lucky one, getting to spend time with my two favorite ladies in the world.”
Mom giggles while Dawn tries to smile wider, and I notice a tear slip from her right eye. I squeeze their hands before releasing them onto their laps. Digging out a napkin, I wipe Dawn's cheek.
“Now, how 'bout a taste of heaven?” I reach into the bag removing not only the bread and muffins, but bottles of juice as well. I place the items on the table and settle in for what I know will be a nice visit.