Out of a Texas Night

by Phyliss Miranda

  Bruiser turned his head from side to side as if to say, You ain’t kiddin’ me!

  Feeling the vibration of his phone, Brody took it out of his pocket and looked at the caller ID. Rainey Cowan!

  “Excuse me just a minute, it’s Rainey and I think I should take it.” He stepped away from his desk and answered.

  “Rainey, please Rainey, talk slower. I can’t understand you. Please.” He stopped and listened intently.

  Through her crying, all he could hear was, “Deuce...Deuce. Please come, Brody. I need you. Please, please come.”

  With that, the phone went dead.

  A panic like nothing he’d experienced in a long time flushed through Brody. With a pounding heart and a dry mouth, he managed to get out, “Something is wrong with Deuce. Terribly wrong. We’ve got to get to Amarillo now.”

  Chapter 20

  As if a vampire suddenly sucked all the blood out of Avery, she folded her hands in her lap, not sure what to say. Yet, at the same time, she realized as the interim sheriff she had choices to make.

  Pulling up from her chair, she rubbed her hands on her pant legs, and with a dry mouth she looked at Deputy Robertson, who gripped the chair arm. She couldn’t help but notice his knuckles were clinched in a fist.

  Brody paced, obviously in an effort to calm himself. He glanced up at her with eyes that reeked of pain.

  Again, Avery reminded herself that for the time being she was the one in charge and decisions were on the line. The one thing she had no choice in was getting to Amarillo as quickly as possible.

  She broke the suffocating silence. “Rocky, I presume Deuce didn’t give you a service weapon and badge.” She ran her hand down her pant leg again.

  “No, ma’am.”

  “I’ll be right back,” she said as she exited Brody’s office.

  In only seconds, she returned with a Glock and his badge and handed them to Rocky Robertson. “Welcome to Bonita County.” Her words were very audible, but the concern and worry about Rainey’s call and Deuce’s condition only made her mouth drier.

  “Thank you, Sheriff.”

  “Interim sheriff, but please call me Avery.” She took a dry swallow and focused on Brody. “The three of us will be working very closely together, so I think first names used when we’re not in public is just one less thing we need to worry about.”

  She forced a smile toward Rocky then settled on Brody.

  “I’m going to the hospital with you.” She held her hand up, stopping any discussion. “Rocky, you are welcome—”

  “I was by there on my way in,” he said. “So why don’t you two go, and if it’s okay with you I’ll let Thelma introduce me around to the other deputies and fill me in on some of the procedures.”

  “Sure, Rocky.” She pointed to a bookcase outside the dispatcher’s office. “The Bonita County Sheriff’s Department Procedural Manual is there.” She looked over at Brody. “But don’t pay any attention to the nepotism section because it’s outdated. Thelma can assist you, if you need help. I’ve got to run upstairs and get my purse and I’ll be ready to go.”

  “Thank you, Sheriff...I mean Avery.”

  As she walked away, Brody said, “You got the keys to the ranch headquarters, and we’ll stay in touch with you. You and Bruiser can get all settled in while we find out what has happened to Deuce.” He bit at his lip. “Rocky, I’m gonna level with you. I’m as worried as hell. I’m afraid the news is bad.”

  “I’m with you and Sheriff Humphrey all the way.”

  Avery took two more steps and turned out of earshot.

  She couldn’t help but think the perp-walk from a cell to the area a prisoner is executed couldn’t be as long as her and Brody’s from the back door of the courthouse through the parking lot.

  After closing the passenger door, Avery watched him round the vehicle and wished they both had a cup of strong coffee. No doubt, neither person wanted to carry on an inconsequential conversation while their friend could be dying or, worse yet, had already passed and they weren’t there for him or Rainey.

  “I’m sorry, Brody, but not only has the call from Rainey consumed me, but I keep going over and over in my mind everything we know about how he was hurt.” She rubbed her cheek, again and again, before she continued, “I know I shouldn’t be, but Brody, I’m horrified that we might have a murder case on our hands.”

  “And you don’t think that’s been on my mind?” he said in a deadpan voice and gripped the wheel tighter. “I’m sorry, that didn’t come out the way I meant it.”

  “You don’t need to apologize. I understand and that isn’t even fair, because no, I don’t understand. I know if Deuce had been a friend of mine as long as he’s been one of yours, I’d feel much differently. Trust me....”

  She wanted so badly to retract what she had said and change it to Hell yes, I know exactly what you’re going through.

  More thoughts flooded through her. She pulled her uniform jacket over her chest, keeping her arms folded across her body.

  Oh my Lord, I’m trying to hide from telling Brody the truth. Eventually, the whole world will know that I got my partner killed, and Brody and I are partners. She hung her head and tightened the grip on her jacket. I’ve got to tell him the truth or we can’t work together. We promised no secrets, and I’m holding the biggest one of my life deep inside of me—not being truthful to a good man like him. I don’t have any choice but to tell him tonight, especially if something happened to Deuce.

  An unnatural silence spread like wildfire in the cab of Brody’s pickup.

  “I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to lay my head back and rest a little.” She hesitated before beginning again. “That is unless you’d like for me to drive. I know you’re mentally exhausted.”

  “Hey, get a little rest, I think we’re probably thinking about the same thing.”

  Don’t bet the ranch on that one or you’ll be sleeping on a cot in the Bonita County hoosegow!

  The mellow music on the radio cradled her thoughts, and she closed her eyes thinking about more things than any one person should have on their mind in a week, much less a day.

  Rolling a little to her left side, she watched Brody, who had an unnatural stiffness in his body and a gloomy look on his face. She couldn’t help but feel sympathy for the man, who had maneuvered himself into her heart at the right time, making it possible for her to desire moving on with her life.

  To break the thought of assuming the worst-case scenario, she straightened up in the passenger seat. “I’ve been thinking. We’ve got too big of a timeline to work with on Deuce’s accident.” She carefully chose the last word, hoping the word she had in mind didn’t come true. To be optimistic, she said, “So, when we get back, how about going by the GreenMart and picking up some corkboards where we can lay out everything more clearly. We need to upgrade some things in the office, and that would be a beginning.”

  “I kinda like your colored cards and sticky notes.”

  “Don’t try to fool me, VanZant, you hate them.”

  “I wouldn’t say hate, but—”

  “But...you agree whiteboards would be better.” She shot a smile at him, although the seriousness in his eyes was oh so distracting.

  “I’ve got a better idea. I’ve got several whiteboards stored in my sister’s storage building at the café. I’ll donate them and you can tape cards, as long as they are colored, and use sticky notes to your heart’s desire.”

  “Sounds good. Let’s see how the afternoon goes and then make a decision.” She watched a tight smile cross his face. The first real one she’d seen since he’d received the call from Rainey. “Oh, there’s the turnoff to the hospital.” She picked up her purse, ready to get out as soon as they parked.

  In short order and with a weary mind and more concern than she’d felt in a long time, the elevator door opened onto Deu
ce’s floor. With legs that felt hobbled, she walked toward Deuce’s room with Brody holding her upper arm.

  “When did that happen?” Deuce asked, in a reserved voice, as he pointed to the Lubbock County deputy sitting outside Deuce’s door.

  “I’m sorry. I should have told you, but after we talked to Teg, I called in a favor. There was so much going on yesterday that I didn’t think to tell you. I called Lubbock after you left my house last night. Sorry.” She hoped he’d understand, under the circumstances.

  They both said hello and Brody shook hands with the deputy.

  Avery said, “We’ll be here for a while, so why don’t you take a break?”

  “Yes, ma’am. Thank you, ma’am.” The young deputy pulled to his feet and headed toward the stairwell.

  Brody knocked softly, and when they didn’t hear a response, he slowly opened the door.

  Avery said a silent prayer.

  The sheriff lay in the same position as the last time they had been there, flat on his back with tubes attached to every part of his body.

  Rainey sat in the chair next to his bed holding his hand with her head on his chest. When she heard them, she looked up with unreadable eyes. She put her index finger to her lips, indicating quietness.

  Brody half lifted her out of the chair as she collapsed against his chest and broke out crying.

  As much as Avery didn’t want to think about it, there were a few benefits being in law enforcement provided, and one definitely was knowing the difference in a breathing soul and one who has passed. Deuce’s chest heaved in a regular manner. She turned her head away from everything and stared out the window.

  Oh, God, please, God, this can’t be the time Rainey has to make the decision to turn off the machines keeping him alive. Please, Lord, please!

  “Rainey, I know this is hard, but tell me what is going on with Deuce. We’re both here for you...and Deuce. Please tell me—” Brody asked in a soft, caring voice.

  “Oh Brody, I need your help,” Rainey said, still leaning against his chest for support. “I’m so glad you are here.”

  “I’m glad I am too. Do we need to go outside to talk?” he asked.

  “No. Oh, no.” She shook her head several times. “No, we’ve got to stay right here.”

  Avery tried hard to take long, deep breaths to remain composed. She must be right. No doubt from Rainey’s words, the time had come.

  “See.” Rainey took Deuce’s hand and put it in Brody’s. “See.”

  Brody glanced from one woman to another then down at his friend, who tried desperately to open his eyes. “I feel some movement,” he said in a low, composed voice.

  “Darling, you’ve got visitors,” Rainey said and then continued, “How about you open your eyes and he’ll do most of the talking, but now that he knows you can hear him, you can listen.” She squeezed her husband’s hand with purpose. “Deuce, darlin’, please.”

  “Umm,” Deuce replied, opened his eyes slightly and grunted. “Hunka, hunka superstud.” He closed his eyes.

  “Man, I’m so happy I could pick both of you girls up and kiss you.” He smiled at Rainey. “I think I’ll just do that.”

  He pulled Avery to her feet, hugged her, and turned to Rainey where he did the same.

  “Brody and Avery, you have no idea how happy I was when they began taking him out of the coma.” She returned to her chair, while the others stood on the opposite side of the bed. “I know I was crying when I called, but it wasn’t until much later that I realized you likely took the tears wrong. They were of happiness. I wanted to surprise you.” She glanced directly at Avery. “I’m so sorry I scared you.”

  “I wasn’t...okay, since we’re now officially friends, I was scared, but I certainly wasn’t going to allow Mister,” she turned to Brody and tilted her head. “What was he saying…Hunka hunka superstud?”

  “That’s a joke between Deuce and me,” Brody said.

  “Okay, Superstud, how about giving you and the sheriff some time alone.” She looked across the bed at Rainey. “How about some coffee?”

  “That sounds great. And I apologize for being so emotional. That’s not me, but I guess when it comes to someone you love, it’s okay.”

  Avery responded, “More than okay.” She grabbed her purse from the nearby window shelf and nodded to Brody before the two women exited.

  As she pulled the door to, she glanced up and caught Brody’s eye. He smiled at her, and she knew how much he wanted to get them out so he could talk with Deuce alone.

  He picked up Deuce’s hand once again.

  Maybe, just maybe, he’d have some of the answers to fill in the blanks.

  * * * *

  Once the ladies were gone, Brody laid Deuce’s hand on the bed and went around and sat down in Rainey’s chair.

  “Hey, you ol’ SOB, you’ve scared the livin’ hell out of all of us.” Brody figured his friend only absorbed bits and pieces of what he said, but he knew he needed to just talk. Talk about anything and everything, so Deuce would stay alert as much as possible. Brody also knew the sheriff likely couldn’t answer any questions, but there was one on the tip of Brody’s tongue that he had to ask.

  Deuce said something so low that Brody couldn’t understand him, so he leaned down with his ear close to Deuce’s mouth.

  “What?”

  The word that came out of his friend’s raspy throat almost caused Brody to keel over with shock. Sweat surfaced and settled on his forehead. His heart beat out of control—and if the one word meant what Brody thought it meant, the Bonita County Sheriff’s Department had a serious problem on its hands.

  Continuing to hold Deuce’s hand, Brody asked softly, “Is that the person who tried to hurt you?”

  “Kill.”

  “You are certain that it was intentional?” Brody had to make sure he was correct.

  Deuce nodded. “Murder. Tried to.” He closed his eyes.

  Letting go of his hand, Brody slowly lowered himself in the chair, while his mind felt like a zillion butterflies on exhibit at the zoo.

  “Oh my God, no.” He lowered his head in his hand. “Please God, please. This cannot be.”

  Chapter 21

  Avery and Rainey stepped off the elevator, expressing to one another how happy they felt finding out Deuce was coming out of his medically induced coma successfully. Hot tea and a small serving of apple cobbler, plus their conversation, seemed to do the trick, making them both feel everything was going to be okay.

  To Avery’s surprise, as they turned toward Deuce’s hospital room, she saw Brody plastered against the wall, legs planted wide apart. He held his right arm against his sweaty forehead. He glared into open space then turned on his heels and slammed his fist into the wall.

  “What’s wrong?” Avery said, then quickly added, “Did something happen to Deuce?” When she was in front of him, she grabbed his arm and pulled him away from the door. “What in the hell happened?” She saw that the veins in his neck quivered, making her own heart pound against her chest. Too many questions came across her mind so fast she didn’t know what to ask next, but mustered up, “Is Deuce okay?”

  Brody appeared to settle down a bit and said, “He’s fine. I just got a call that made me mad. I lost control for a minute, but it’s better to hit the wall and pay the damages than to come through the phone and strangle someone.”

  Avery knew her eyebrows knitted together, and by the relief on Rainey’s face, she began to calm down herself.

  “I’m going to go on in, if everything is okay.” Rainey turned to Brody. “If I can help in any way, just let me know. I appreciate you coming.” She laid a hand on his arm. “And, again, I apologize for making it sound like something bad had happened when in truth all of our prayers and wishes were answered.”

  Not waiting on Brody’s response, Rainey smiled at Avery. “And you hav
e no idea how much I appreciate you. The ol’ saying Make new friends, but keep the old is certainly true.” She hugged Avery, then Brody.

  Knowing something seriously was wrong with Lt. Detective Brody VanZant, Avery said, “I wonder how long the guard will be gone. I think we need to hit the road. We’ve got a lot of work to do, and I’m so thankful that Deuce is better.” She smiled at Brody, who again stood with his legs planted wide apart. “Do you need to say good-bye to Deuce?”

  “No,” he snapped at her. “I said adios before I took the, uh, call.” His tone came across more calm, but she couldn’t see the rationale of his going into a rage in front of others. Those weren’t the actions of the lawman she had gotten to know over the last few weeks.

  In only minutes the door to the stairwell opened and the deputy returned.

  Neither said anything on the walk to Brody’s vehicle. Deafening silence filled the truck as they pulled out of the hospital’s parking lot.

  All Avery thought about was what could have happened to infuriate and hurt Brody so badly. Obviously, he didn’t want to share anything with her at the moment. Even little comments she made did not seem to penetrate his thoughts.

  “Okay, guy, I don’t know what happened, but if it’s something I can help with, shoot.” She rested her hands in her lap. When he didn’t respond, she added, “Is it anything we need to talk about as partners or as a team?”

  A long silence followed before he said, “Oh, we need to talk, okay. Until I get my bearings together, I don’t want to say anything because it’d be jumping to conclusions.” He gripped the steering wheel tighter, much in the same way he did his lips.

  “Just answer one question, and I promise to leave you alone.” She didn’t give him a chance to challenge her. “Is it private or business?”

  “Let’s just say I learned something that affects both of us. A secret we both suspected but couldn’t talk about.” He stared ahead at the road. “And I’m mad at myself for not seeing the truth before now.”

  Avery closed her eyes and tried to swallow, but her mouth felt as dry as the Mojave Desert. He’s found out that I got my partner killed...and he hates me for not trusting him enough to tell him the truth.