Out of a Texas Night

by Phyliss Miranda

  “Just stay calm, Tommy,” Avery said.

  “He even told me that generally the vet worked late and that worried him because any person on drugs could get ahold of the old bottle of PCP and it’d cause a serious high. He said he needed to talk to Dr. Tegler about getting it locked up.” Tommy swallowed hard. “That stayed on my mind, and at the time marijuana wasn’t enough for me, so I picked the night of the festival to go out to the vet’s office and get the PCP….”

  Brody looked away and put his hands on his knees.

  What in the hell is Tommy thinking confessing to Avery…Mesa LeDoux’s best friend?

  Avery might talk Mrs. Johnson and Mesa into reconsidering and filing charges. After all, Avery needed some marks on the wall to show the citizens she got the job because she was good at what she did, not just because she was the daughter of the mayor and one of the town’s founding families.

  He looked up and noticed Avery had moved her chair back a tad away from invading Tommy’s privacy. Certainly a sign she believed what the kid had to say. Brody exhaled with relief. Maybe it wasn’t going in the direction he feared after all.

  Tommy spent the next hour explaining how he’d gotten to the ranch, parked his car near where Deuce’s unit eventually was found, and walked up the path to the ranch’s headquarters. He had waited until he saw Dr. Tegler leave without locking his office, so once the vet was out of sight, Tommy went in and snooped around finally locating the single and oldest bottle, thinking it wouldn’t be missed. He added a little water and headed back to his car but not down the dirt road. He took a shortcut and walked toward his car through the west pasture. That’s when he had gotten a glimpse of the vet and the ranch foreman and hidden behind several massive Yuccas. In the process, he dropped the bottle of PCP.

  “That’s when I saw it….” Tommy trailed off.

  Avery wrote notes as fast as she could and waited patiently for the young man to continue. When he didn’t, she nudged him along. “Tommy, take your time. I realize this is hard. I applaud you for coming in and telling me what happened. So, whenever you’re ready, just go ahead. You’re not being judged. I promise you.” She jotted down another note.

  “Ma’am…thank you for being patient with me. This is the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. The first thing I learned being incarcerated, although it was only for a short time, was to never, never, become a snitch, and that’s what I’m doing now.” He stopped and no doubt had to think the rest of his confession through before he began again.

  Finally, Tommy wiped his forehead with a napkin and continued, “When I saw Dr. Tegler and the foreman head back east, I starting running, not taking time to go back for the PCP.”

  Avery took the bottle she had found out of an evidence envelope and asked Tommy if it was the bottle he had stolen.

  “Yes, ma’am, it looked like that one.” He squared his shoulders. “That’s when I saw Deputy Scott and before I knew it, he had me in handcuffs and took me into town and put me in a cell.”

  “And, how long did you stay there?”

  “Not long because then the sheriff came in and they took me into this room.” He placed his hands flat on the table. “That’s when the sheriff gave me the talking to. One like I’ve never had. Then he released me. Since I was so watered off and thought some air would help, plus I needed to pick up my car, I just walked back to where Deputy Scott took me into custody.”

  “That’s really good information, so go on, Tommy.”

  “Well, as I found out later, thinking I had been arrested, my brother and a friend of his had come out and got my car. That left me with little choice but to walk back to the house. We live on the east side of town.” He rubbed the back of his hands and made them into a double fist. “About the time I got to the road that leads up to the Jacks Bluff, I saw Sheriff Cowan drive up and get out of his car. He just stood there and seemed to be observing everything around him. Before I got much farther, I heard a car and noticed Deputy Scott pulled up behind him. I stayed hidden for sure because I didn’t know what was going on, but knew I might be in trouble all over again.” Tommy shook his head twice.

  “Go ahead, Tommy,” Avery encouraged him.

  Just watching Avery handle Tommy in such a professional manner made Brody proud of the whole sheriff’s department, but particularly pleased with the person he had gotten to know as a real, trustworthy woman—someone he found himself caring about.

  Hell’s bells, I don’t care about her; I think I’m falling in love with the woman!

  Tommy stretched his back but sat up straight. “I was too far away to hear what they said, but obviously the two men were having words. Deputy Scott really came at the sheriff in a threatening way, and that’s when the sheriff pulled out his phone. The deputy grabbed it, threw the thing on the ground, and crushed it with the heel of his boot. Then they really began to fight. When Sheriff Cowan turned to get in his cop car, the deputy hit him in the back of his head with his gun.” Tommy slumped in his chair, no doubt trying to find the courage to finish his story.

  “Did you see anything else? Maybe how the sheriff got into the ravine?”

  “Yes, ma’am. I need a minute.” He took a sip of his drink. “Before I could do anything, not that I was inclined to do something, the deputy dragged the sheriff away from their cop cars, and he pulled the sheriff over his shoulders and trudged toward the ravine. I stayed as far back as possible because the last thing I needed was to get picked up, and way back in my mind I knew I’d be blamed for what happened to the sheriff. I got close enough to see Deputy Scott drop the sheriff to the ground and shove him over the edge into the ravine.” Tommy lowered his head, as if he couldn’t face any more of the night, then said, “Are you going to arrest me for stealing the PCP and not telling you what happened before now?”

  “Tommy, right here.” Avery pointed at her eyes with her index and middle finger. When he looked up, she continued, “The case against you for the PCP is closed. I have no reason to reopen it and have absolutely no reason to believe Mrs. Johnson or Mesa would change their minds about their decision not to have charges filed. Of course, it’ll be up to the DA on any other charges, but it’ll be my recommendation that you are not charged with any other offense. Needless to say, I’m taking your word at one hundred percent value.” She jotted something on her pad. “But Tommy, please don’t take your eyes off me.”

  The young man slowly lifted his head and looked Avery directly in the eyes. Then she said, “I trust you. Tell me again, but in more detail, how Deputy Scott arrested you, right after you left the vet’s office.”

  “I headed for my car as fast as I could, but before I knew it he was on top of me with his knee in the middle of my back and he really pushed on my neck, crushing my face into the ground—”

  She interrupted him. “Two questions. First, for the record, did you take any selfies of your face?”

  “Yes, ma’am. They’re on my phone. Do you want it?”

  “If you don’t mind.”

  He retrieved his iPhone from his shirt pocket and slid it across the table. “The screen is broken because it was in my pocket. Deputy Scott is a big dude.”

  “Thank you. Most importantly, did he identify himself as a peace officer and tell you to stop? Anything on that line?”

  “No. Just all of a sudden he was on top of me and the next thing I knew I was handcuffed and thrown in the back of his cop car,” Tommy shifted in his seat. “I don’t want to tell you this part, but I think it’s really important.” He stopped, cleared his throat, and waited for a long time. “The deputy came by the house the next day, since I was home with a cold, and told me that if I told anybody about what I may or may not have seen that he’d make certain I was sent back to the slammer and he had ways to make it happen.” He fidgeted with his soft drink. “Ma’am, he also said if I ever went back to the big house, I’d never see the light of day. He
also said that was if he didn’t shoot me while I was breaking the law. I had a good idea what he meant, and believe me, ma’am, that’s been heavy on my mind. I don’t want to go back and do time, but being shot would be worse.”

  Once he looked away, she said, “Thank you, Tommy, for coming forth and being honest with me. I’ll see you are protected, for one thing. In return, the only assurance I need from you is that once Danny Scott has been arrested, and if and when he’s charged with causing Sheriff Cowan’s injuries—I guess it’s now attempted murder—you agree to testify on the state’s behalf.”

  “Yes, ma’am. I promise I will. I want to be a better person.” He looked down at his folded hands on the table and said, “Will Brody know what I said?”

  Sheriff Humphrey hesitated for only a second. “Yes, Tommy. He’s our lead detective, and although he can’t handle the case because you are related, while not by blood, he will know about it. Does that create a problem for you?”

  “No, ma’am. I really want him to know that I’m trying to change and be as good of a guy as he is. His sister is a wonderful person and has done a lot for me. I’m glad to say Brody is part of my family. Can I go, ma’am? And you don’t have to remind me to keep my mouth shut. I’ve done it this long, so another while won’t matter. I really have to get back to the café before my brother beats the living…excuse me, ma’am, I mean crud out of me for being late cleaning up.” He stood up, and in a boyish voice, he said, “Thank you, ma’am. I promise to keep my word.”

  “Again thank you for coming to us as a man.” She picked up her pad. “And, yes, you can go, but don’t be surprised if you see a deputy about everywhere you turn. He’ll likely be out of sight, but remember he’s there to protect you. There’s something else; if your brother-in-law harms you, please promise to give me or Brody a call.”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Brody knew it’d take more than a few minutes, maybe even hours, to let what Tommy had said settle in. He stayed put until he heard Avery unlock the interrogation room and the back door to the office close. He had no doubt Tommy had gone out the back way so nobody would see him exiting the front…especially his brother, Stanley.

  With more scrambled feelings than eggs on a grill, Brody went directly into his office and closed the door. Looking out on Main Street, he spread his legs apart and let everything he’d just heard rush around in his thoughts. From the facts he’d learned from Deuce to the things Tommy had told Avery—especially the change in demeanor with the kid—all rolled up into one really scattered assortment of thoughts.

  He finally heard a light knock at his door, although it barely penetrated is mind. “Come in.” He turned away from the window.

  Avery stepped across the threshold, closed the door behind her, and leaned against it. She didn’t say anything for the longest time. She exhaled deeply, crossed her arms, and finally said, “Now you know why I couldn’t let you in the interrogation room.” She held her hand up as if to stop him from saying anything. “I know I didn’t have to say that because you are a professional and I appreciate you not pushing me with a bunch of questions on the ride back from the hospital.”

  She took the few steps to stand beside him and touched his arm lightly. “Brody, I know just hearing what you did from Deuce at the hospital had to be hard.” Her pressure on his arm intensified, sending hot waves throughout his body.

  Brody laid his left hand on hers. “I’ve heard a lot of confessions and deathbed revelations in my career, but Deuce’s was the hardest I’ve ever experienced. I know you really do care, and I appreciate you.”

  “I do.” She stiffened and took a couple of steps backward, turned, and looked out the window into the main office. “Oh, there’s Rocky and Jessup.” She rushed to the door and opened it. “Gentlemen, I need you in here, please.”

  Brody reluctantly moved to his chair behind the desk. He tried unsuccessfully to disengage his muddled thoughts as the two deputies walked in. The one thing he didn’t confess to his boss was just how hard Tommy’s confession had hit him.

  “Did either of you locate Danny Scott?” Avery didn’t mince words with unnecessary greetings.

  Eddie Jessup spoke first. “No, ma’am. We split up and looked everywhere and talked to just about everyone in town and nobody has seen hide nor hair of him for at least two days.”

  Rocky added, “That’d be his days off plus today. I didn’t get the feeling anyone was avoiding us or trying to alibi for him. From the looks of his house and neighbors, he’s probably been gone for a day or two. He may have gone fishing or something and thought today was one of his days off.”

  “No.” Avery turned toward Brody. “Everybody sit down.” She took a chair across from the others, creating a semi-circle. “We’ve”—she nodded toward Brody—“got some really bad news.” She quickly held her hand up. “Deuce is fine. As a matter of fact, he’s coming out of his coma and speaking a little. Not a lot but a few words here and there. He knows everybody now, and when Rainey and I had some tea, she said the hospital’s social worker was there today to discuss arrangements to transfer Deuce here to our long-term facility for rehab.”

  “Praise the Lord.” Rocky lowered his head and closed his eyes.

  Jessup made a similar gesture.

  “But, I, well we, have a lot to tell you guys, so everyone will be updated on what is going on. And I don’t have to say this, but what we have to tell you stays within these walls.” She turned to face Rocky. “I apologize for such a horrid first day on the job, but we’re thankful to have you here. Once you’ve heard everything we have to say, you’ll see just how important you are.” She gestured toward Jessup. “Both of you. We’re a team, and I expect us to work together as one unit for the betterment of Bonita County.”

  Brody smiled to himself realizing that her I’s had turned to We’s, which pleased him to no end.

  To the obvious surprise of both deputies, Avery filled them in on what had happened at the hospital with Sheriff Cowan and her discussion with Tommy Mitchell.

  “I’ll have the interview with Tommy, who will be considered as ADHCI#1, transcribed from the tape, and each of you can read it. But here’s the pie-in-the-face reality of the situation.”

  Jessep asked, “Your initials plus CI #1?”

  “Yes, that’s the way I want our transcriptions labeled from now own, but of course, changing the confidential informant’s number.” She stopped and looked up. “That’s until Deuce is back on the job.”

  Avery picked up the papers from Brody’s desk. “Robertson and Jessup, here’s a search warrant for Scott’s property. We need anything and everything that pertains to Deuce’s attempted murder.” She stopped, as if giving thought to her next statement, “We need his computer and any notes that pertain to anything that might be considered criminal in nature, particularly if it involves his job.” She glanced up at Brody. “I mean anything, including his service weapon and uniforms. It’s all in the warrant. In the meantime, I’m going to get an arrest warrant issued and put out an APB on him.” She slumped in her chair and looked at Brody with eyes that screamed help me out.

  “The APB will be for the attempted murder of a peace officer and state that he’s armed and considered dangerous—”

  Avery interrupted Brody, “And we want him dead or alive.”

  Chapter 23

  Avery shook her head, wanting to reach out to provide comfort to all of the people in the room, particularly Brody, who looked as if he’d lost his last friend. She sighed, frankly feeling much like he seemingly felt. The sensation of falling down a deep tunnel of no return hit her, and she wasn’t sure whether she could compartmentalize all of the events of the day. If only it were possible for her to stay still and let the relief sink in.

  Jessup and Robertson were halfway out the door, giving both Avery and Brody assurance they’d not only check in with any progress but return to the office as q
uickly as possible.

  Brody sat silently. The look on his face spoke volumes.

  She excused herself to allow him time to be alone, then remembered the tape.

  “I’m taking the tape to Tonya. She’s still on duty, and as the office supervisor, she knows that a CI’s identity is not to be revealed. I trust her. Do you?” She reached for the tape on his desk and couldn’t help but look at Brody. A pensive, restless expression shrouded his face. No doubt he felt as conflicted with all of the information as she did.

  “Lieutenant Detective Brody VanZant, did you hear—”

  He turned her way. “I’m sorry. I was lost in my thoughts. And, yes, I totally trust Tonya. She’s been here a while and knows the ropes.”

  “Be back shortly,” Avery said, allowing herself to feel sorry for the usually strong lawman while knowing that when something in the line of duty hit home, it was hard to shake off. But at the same time she knew he was a professional and would kick it sooner or later. She certainly planned to be part of his recuperation team.

  I care way too much for him to see how hurt he is and how badly everything around Deuce, Scott, and Tommy hit him. I truly care.... Lordy, lordy, I think I’m falling for him, but can’t with both of us working side by side.

  Her thoughts dissipated as she walked into Tonya’s office. After greeting her, the sheriff said, “Can you stay late and transcribe a tape for me?”

  “Sure.” Tonya nearly snatched the recording from Avery. “I’ll be glad to.”

  “Be sure to mark your extra hours on your timecard, because you’re staying late to transcribe something very important. There’s one extremely vital part of this particular interview that I must stress to you as being more confidential than probably anything you’ve ever transcribed.”

  “I understand, Sheriff Humphrey.”

  “I’m pretty sure you haven’t worked with many CI interviews, so I feel compelled to remind you that under no circumstances is the name of the person interviewed to be revealed to anyone, even if you think they are familiar with the case.” Avery rocked gently in place. “This is the first for me in Bonita County, so I feel compelled to be certain that we both understand the rules. I want to make sure nothing compromises our investigation and causes problems if and when a case is brought to trial.”