by CJ Murphy
And the story continues
Forever Chance
Chapter One
SHERIFF CHANCE FITZSIMMONS SAT on the desk in the front of the auditorium style classroom at West Virginia University. Her good friend, Professor Scott Ross, recruited her to speak on rural law enforcement challenges. She looked over her audience, the number of male students far outweighing the female by nearly three to one. She was proud to see that one of those females, was her little sister Kendra. Her near carbon copy sat front and center, a miracle of anything but genetics.
"Rural law enforcement differs a great deal from being an officer in a municipal setting. For instance, in a municipality, the distance between where you are and where your dispatched to, can be a matter of a few minutes or blocks. In my jurisdiction, it could be twenty to forty minutes for me to reach a call location, more if its bad weather. What’s worse is your available backup could be on the other side of the county. There are times that reality can have deadly consequences."
Chance used her clicker to advance her presentation. A large picture of her father in his uniform appeared on screen. "This officer died in the line of duty on a domestic call. His back up was very far away as an enraged husband threatened his wife with a gun.” She turned to the audience again. "Deputy Ray Fitzsimmons died when he shielded the female victim from gunfire. That deputy was my father and he died on scene from a gunshot wound to the head. He was doing all the things he'd been taught, including wearing a vest and using caution. Unfortunately, humans rarely survive gunshot wounds to the head. My dad saved a life that day. It cost him his."
Chance watched as the students stared at the screen. She could see that Kendra's were directed firmly at her. "Firefighters have a saying. You risk a lot, to save a lot. You risk little, to save little. Now, I spent many years jumping out of a perfectly good airplane into wildfires. I know what that means. I also know the cost of putting your body between an innocent and a bullet. It's one of the reasons all of my road deputies have a K9 unit with them. They are never alone."
A hand went up in the back of the room and Chance pointed to him as she nodded for the student to go ahead with his question. A young man that couldn't have been more than nineteen, stood. "Didn't it worry you when you became an officer that you might face that same fate as your father?"
Chance sat on the edge of the desk and took a calming breath. She thought about her father every day she put on her badge. It was a part of her morning ritual as she stretched her scar tissue and repeated something Maggie had said to her when she'd been in the burn ward. ‘Steel is tempered by fire and gold is refined by it.’ How do you explain what she felt about being an officer?
"My dad was my hero. Every day, I watched him put on his uniform and pin his badge over his heart. Ray Fitzsimmons believed in honor and duty and he taught me those same values. In life, you have to find something you believe in from inside the marrow of your bones, something that's elemental." Her hands reached up and unpinned her badge. "My dad told me there are five points to this badge," she placed her finger on one of them and touched the next point with each word she spoke, "honor, duty, courage, integrity, and empathy. His belief was that the empathy part was the hardest as an officer, because it required finding balance. He also said I'd clearly understand that when I was wearing the badge. His words hold even greater truth today."
Chance made eye contact with the students in the room before stopping at Kendra. "Some of you will become officers, some lawyers, and maybe some will find this field isn't for you at all. What I can tell you is this, the day you make the decision to enforce the laws of our land, you will use each of these five points in the performance of your duties."
She touched one of the points again, "Some of you will rely on your courage and some will heavily on duty. I encourage you to lean on the one my father said would be the most difficult, empathy. When you've dealt with the same addict for the third time in as many days, when you've arrested the same abusive partner over and over only to have the other party file resend a domestic violence petition again, when you've put the same thief in jail for the fifth time, you'll find that empathy the most tenuous to achieve. You'll feel like you’re getting nowhere more often than you'll feel like you've made a difference. I can only hope that one day," Chance held her badge in the air, "that someone will walk up to you and says you've been their role model and their reason for choosing this profession."
She let her eyes settle on Kendra for only a moment. It was enough to feel the connection she and her adopted sister shared. She fastened the badge back on her uniform. "You'll remember why you pin the badge on every day and stand as the thin blue line between order and anarchy." Zeus barked his approval and the class released a small laugh. Chance reached down to pet him. "He's listened to this speech enough he could give it himself. Thank you for your attention today. I'll leave a stack of business cards with Professor Ross if you have any other questions."
A round of applause came from those in attendance as chairs shuffled and backpacks were hefted. Scott Ross stepped to her side and held out his hand. "Thanks, Chance. Having you come in and talk with them as a current law enforcement officer, really makes an impact."
Chance pulled on his hand and embraced him in a hug. "It's always a pleasure." She pushed him back but held him by his shoulder. "What really makes an impact is having a professor like you that's been neck deep in the trenches. You can tell them the truth beyond what the recruiting posters portray."
Scott chuckled softly. "It does differ slightly. Regardless, I am in your debt for so many reasons."
Chance shook her head. "Scott, there’s no debt between us, ever. I mean that. I enjoy coming down here. Gives me a chance to take Kendra to lunch and get an eyes on report for the mom squared. Isn't that right, pain in my ass?"
"You're buying, so I'll agree." Kendra smiled with a look of genuine mirth.
Chance pointed to her. "See what having a kid sister thirty years younger gets you? An empty wallet and a dump truck load of sarcasm." She playfully shoved Kendra.
Scott's laughter was contagious. "Hell, having a brother two years younger gets you the same thing."
Chance was aware of Scott's brother Miles, who'd been in and out of rehab several times. Scott’s parents had died over a dozen years ago and he’d taken it upon himself to try and keep his younger brother on the straight and narrow. "I have no doubt."
Scott put his foot up on a chair and leaned forward, exposing the ankle section of his prothesis. "And the debt goes beyond your guest lecture and you know it."
Chance lowered her gaze for a fraction of a second before meeting his eyes. "We'll have to continue to agree to disagree on that point, my friend. Any time you need a lecturer for a day, give me a call." She snickered when Kendra's stomach growled out a protest. "For now, I think I need to feed the beast over there. I'm pretty sure there's a lion in there trying to claw its way out."
Kendra blushed.
Scott shook her hand. "Don't think I won't. I'm glad you're doing alright after the events of earlier this summer. We've both had enough knocks for a lifetime I think."
"Mags and Dee will certainly agree." Chance nodded.
"I'd say you better include your fiancé or she's likely to give you another. I don't mess with Jax. She's tough." Kendra pointed a finger at her.
Scott snapped his fingers. "That's right. You're finally taking the plunge. Congratulations. I hope to meet this miracle worker someday."
"We'll have to do dinner sometime with you and your wife. I venture to say they'd get along great. Really, it was great to see you Scott. Call me anytime and if I can work it in, I'm there." Chance hugged him again.
"Dr. Ross is busy delivering babies today. I don't know how she does it. She's the most sought after OBGYN in the area and I have no idea what she ever saw in me. Kendra, I'll see you next week."
"Thanks, Professor Ross. I'm looking forward to the session."
Scott pointed to Kendra. "She rem
inds me so much of you, it's scary. Kendra's going to be a fantastic officer someday. She's got a great role model to follow."
Chance blushed. "I think her professors have a bit to do with that as well."
"You two are embarrassing me and I'm starving. See you next week, Professor Ross." Kendra hefted her backpack to her shoulder and grabbed Chance's sleeve.
Chance "I think that's my que to leave. Call me, Scott."
Once they'd left the classroom, Chance asked the obvious question. "Where do you want to go?"
Kendra didn't even hesitate. "Colasantes."
"Okay, you're on."
"And I have a favor, well more of request really." Kendra dropped her eyes.
"I can't say yes or no until you tell me what you want." Chance rolled her hat around in her hand.
"Can I bring a guest?"
"I don't see why not. Who do you want to join us?" Chance watched Kendra. She was sure she was about to learn who her sister had been spending an inordinate amount of time with. Try as she might, she struggled for the name she'd heard Kendra use in one or two of their phone conversations.
"Brandi."
"Do we need to pick her up somewhere or is she close by?"
Kendra cleared her throat and rubbed a hand across the back of her neck. Chance grinned at the blush her little sister was sporting.
Kendra pulled out her phone and tapped the screen a few times and waited. "She's over at the Mountain Lair, she can meet us at your vehicle in ten minutes."
Chance put a hand on the younger woman's shoulder. "Breathe, Bullseye. I promise, I won't interrogate her."
Kendra's nervous laughter made Chance smile. One deep breath later and Kendra met her eyes.
"I've been wanting to introduce her to everyone for a while. She's…well, special."
"I gathered that."
They started walking toward the parking garage, Zeus on their heels. They passed hordes of students rushing from one place to another, earbuds in place while they stared blankly at their phones. It amazed Chance how they were able to navigate without falling over something. One second later, she corrected that thought as one of the enraptured students walked into a glass wall and banged their nose. Books scattered across the floor as the young man stood and picked his things up while he held a hand to his face.
"I hope you aren't so consumed with your phone or anything else, that you lose sight of the objects in front of you. When you're an officer," she pointed her hat to indicate the student to Kendra, "that will get you killed."
Kendra nodded and voiced her understanding. "I try to know what's going on around me all the time. You taught me that and it serves me well with this madhouse down here."
They continued their way through the throng until they reached the open concrete structure. A petite girl about Kendra's age, paced near her vehicle. Short dark hair cut in a pixie style framed delicate features. Chance assumed this was Brandi. Chance extended her hand. "Hi, I'm Chance, Kendra's sister."
With a voice belying her small stature, Brandi answered in kind. "Brandi, Brandi Antolini." Her eyes were an unusual green.
Kendra shook her head and laughed. "Don't mind me, I think I was supposed to make that introduction."
Brandi cocked her head. "Then speak up, you know I don't have a shy bone in my body. If I did, we still would be waving at each other in biology class."
Chance nearly burst out laughing. She’s got Kendra's number. "How about we make our way to the restaurant? That way, we can order while we get better acquainted. This one," Chance pointed a thumb at Kendra, "gets hangry if she doesn't eat every two hours."
Brandi looked down at Zeus. "Especially in the morning, she's really cranky before coffee and sustenance."
Kendra cleared her throat and raised her hand. "Kendra here, present and accounted for, don't mind me."
Brandi knelt. "Who is this beautiful creature? And I never mind you."
"No, you don't, even when it's in your best interest. Brandi meet Zeus, Chance's K9 partner." Kendra extended her hand and scratched Zeus.
Brandi looked to Chance. "Is it okay if I pet him?"
Chance nodded her consent. "I'm sure he'd like that."
Brandi presented the Malinois her hand. Zeus leaned forward and sniffed it before looking to Chance who nodded again. He put his nose under Brandi's hand and bumped it. She stroked over his head and ears. "Wow, he's all muscle."
"He and I spend a lot of time keeping in shape. It's important for our job and he's all about the job."
Kendra leaned down. "When I go to work for Chance, I'll have a K9 too."
Chance watched as the smile on Brandi's face lit up.
"And I'll take care of it."
Kendra stood. "Brandi's a veterinary medicine student from California."
Chance couldn't help laughing, the irony not lost on her.
Brandi stood and furrowed her brow, "What's so funny about that?"
Chance stared gap mouthed at Kendra. "You didn't tell her?"
Brandi too looked at Kendra. "Tell me what?"
"That my fiancé is a vet that moved back to West Virginia after a twenty-year practice in Northern California."
Brandi punched Kendra in the upper arm. "How did you forget to mention that?”
Kendra winced and smiled. "Ow, and I didn't think about it."
Brandi put a hand on her hip. "Start using that head for something other than your good looks. You're getting a sister-in-law that's a vet? Kendra, that's pertinent information. Good thing you're as good looking as you are."
Kendra furrowed her brow. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Chance cleared her throat this time and leaned close to Kendra. "Let me help you out here before you dig that hole so deep, you'll need the rope rescue team to get you out." She turned to Brandi. "Let's chalk that up to being starstruck by your charm. I say we go eat."
Kendra shut her eyes and put her head back. "Please, God, save me?"
Brandi leaned over and kissed Kendra on the cheek. "I'll let you make it up to me later. Can we go? I'm starving."
Chance hit the locks on the door and opened the rear hatch for Zeus to load. "That we can."
***
Two hours later, Chance was on her way back to Tucker County, a smile playing across her face. She made a call to Jax who answered in the first two rings.
"Hey, you. On your way back yet?"
"I have one more stop, beautiful. Anything you'd like me to bring home for supper or do you want me to grill?"
"Such a sweet talker. Any chance you're coming home by Clarksburg?"
"Going right through there. I need to stop in at the Sheriff's office for some information."
"Then I say you bring home Los Loco's tamales and chips with salsa."
Chance would be happy to stop in and see how Anita is doing. "Your wish is my command."
"Be careful on your way home. I love you. Tell Anita hi for me."
The words Jax spoke never failed to warm Chance from the inside out. How her life had changed. "Will do and I love you too. See you at home."
It took forty minutes to make it to downtown Clarksburg. Chance wanted to check with her fellow sheriff and friend, William Andrews, about the heroin pipeline that seemed to be streaming into their state. The overdose rate in his county was much higher than her own. She knew that part of it was the fact he had a major city in his jurisdiction and two major roadways that intersected. Interstate 79 traversed the state north and south and Route 50 east to west. The natural gas business had brought in more than economic growth with their out of state employees. Thousands of gas well workers were staying up to fifty miles away from the well sights. When those workers were present, the opportunity for illicit drug sales and prostitution skyrocketed. She parked her new Suburban in a lot close to the courthouse where the Sheriff's personal office was. The road officers and detectives were in another location.
Chance and Zeus entered the courthouse. An old colleague was acting as security and u
shered her through the array of metal detectors and X-ray machines. She stopped at the receptionist's desk and announced herself. Minutes later, William appeared and ushered her into his office.
"How the hell are you, Chance? When we got the word what happened up there, we were all ready to load up and bring in reinforcements." Will sat behind his desk and rocked back in his chair.
Chance rubbed a hand through her hair. "I'm doing really well. No lingering injuries from either dust up. It's been back to being a sleepy little county for a few months. With the Leaf Peepers Festival coming up, I'll get busier than I'd like to be."
Will reached into his desk and pulled out a pack of nicotine gum.
Chance pointed to the gum he held. "You still trying to quit smoking?”
"Yeah, for the ninety-seventh time. My doctor chews my ass and my wife threatens pieces of it if I don't. Hard habit to break when you started at sixteen. I'm still not sure how I made it through the academy some days."
"I'm grateful that's one vice I never indulged in. Got a few questions for you. Anyone have a bead on the flood of heroin that’s floating around? I've got a suspicion mine's coming out of Baltimore, but no real proof."
Will reached for the keyboard of his computer and hit several keys, while he motioned for her to come around. "We've been tracking the overdoses and trying to pinpoint when this shit is coming in for sale. Problem is, these folks are getting it from all over. Gas well workers from out of state with too much money and not enough sense. We've had a few traffic stops with them coming back from Texas or Oklahoma that have yielded some significant product. The bulk is coming out of Pittsburgh by the usual suspects with a few more heavy hitters pulling the strings. Huntington's pipeline is out of Detroit. The only guys that get caught, are the low-level guys below the middleman. Our taskforce squeezes them. Unfortunately, they're more afraid of ratting out the kingpins than they are going to jail."