by Kieran York
“We’ll find who did this,” Royce vowed. “It’s getting to be slim to no clues. We’ve even resorted to checking at Crystal resort areas. You know the old ‘knock and talk’ investigating. And we’ve got a detail of bodyguards watching anyone concerned.” Royce added, “Thank you for volunteering.”
The deputy grinned, “In honesty, I volunteered because my squad car needs a tune-up.” Sheepishly, he reported, “Sheriff, I name my cars. I started to call this one ‘Bad Attitude’ for the lousy performance.”
Royce chuckled. “I’ll get you a replacement, and we’ll get Bad Attitude fixed for you.” Because she was always cognizant that it was her job to listen to the deputies, she asked, “How is the body cam and taser working for you?”
“I like having the protection of the body cam. The taser,” he grimaced, then said, “it’s a little like taking a pea-shooter to war. We’ve got to be careful never to shoot unless we’re certain the perp is drawing a loaded gun. So, the decision is to go for taser or our service firearm. If we selected the wrong one, we’re in a world of hurt. I wonder if Nick tried to draw when he saw the man pull a gun.”
“I’ve wondered that, too. From the description, it sounds as if he wouldn’t have had time.”
“When I was in Los Angeles, everyone pulled all the firearms they had. It was brutal. Always trying to pre-guess what the bad guy was going to use. I’ve seen knife wounds where we had to cork the gash with our gloves to try and save the victim. There’s a lot less violence here in Timber. But when the victim is a guy you know and respect, it hurts.”
Royce called for Chance. She gave a wave at the deputy. As she drove toward the hospital, she felt a sorrow. Nick had the respect of everyone he worked with. His community. His family loved him. His children. Royce’s eyes watered. When Sara and Andy greeted her, she saw how difficult it was for them. Although their lips smiled. There was such pain in their eyes. Who would harm Nick?
She would never lose the crime scene images of the ground, after Nick’s having been shot. The high resolution of blood mist isn’t just evidence. It is actually life spraying away. The fight for life that a victim goes through – existence begins to fray around the edges. She felt a moment of terror. As if it was for Nick, she quickly conceded that her optimism needed to be upped. When she visited Nick, she had to believe with all her heart that he would live.
She again asked herself if she would ever solve this heinous crime. Would the perpetrator be brought to justice?
***
Something had happened. Royce felt it. At the hospital, Royce clutched Bev. “What’s going on?”
“Nick regained consciousness for about half an hour. He streams in and out. But Royce, he’s opening his eyes. I know he recognized me. And his speech is unintelligible jabber. Incoherent words, then he slips back into the coma.”
“Can I see him?”
Bev smiled, “Absolutely. Come on.” Nick’s eyes flickered. “Talk with him, Royce. Maybe he understands. I continue talking with him, even though he doesn’t answer.”
“Nick,” Royce said lowly. “Nick, it’s Royce. Can you hear me?” She put her hands around his hand. She squeezed slightly. “We’re here with you.” Tears flooded her eyes. “Come on, pal.” Suddenly she felt him squeeze her hand. “Just keep squeezing, Nick. Keep trying to stay with us. We’re all waiting for you to recover. We need you.”
For several moments he struggled to talk. His lips bobbed; and his eyes blinked. His squeeze on Royce’s hand eased. Then his eyes closed again.
Both Bev and Royce continued talking. “We need to bring up memories he might have. Tell me about when you and Nick first met.”
Royce revealed the story she knew Bev had probably already spoke of. “Bev, it took us a few months to get used to each other. He thought I was too serious, and I thought he was a cocky mess up.”
“He told me you insisted that he keep his feet off the desk.” She smiled.
“I did. I was always giving him heck for being too relaxed. And he made fun of me for my stodgy ways.”
“He always said that you acted like a grumpy school teacher.”
Royce grinned, “He was right. I’d been in the Denver Police Academy, and then worked in Denver for a while. They were strict. They didn’t tolerate monkeying around from their rookies. But Nick took a course in a small town, and he treated everything like it was no big deal. To me, everything was a big deal.”
“But like I told Nick, to you everything was a big deal. You’d also experienced your father, the sheriff, being killed.” Bev stared down at Nick. “It was serious to you.” Her eyes closed. “Now it’s serious to us all.”
“How are the kids coping?”
“They’re so close to Nick…” she hesitated. “Royce, he’s always been such a good father. Kind, understanding, funny. You know all the things that kids love.”
“When I stopped by this morning, I invited them to visit my kids at the High Country Animal Hospital Clinic and Boarding. Hertha suggested it, saying that Sara and Andy always seemed to perk up when they played with the patients and boarders.”
“Royce, that sounds like a wonderful event for them. Anything to make things better. I hear them crying at night. Everyone says to try and normalize their lives. How do you normalize this?”
“You’ve mentioned before about getting a pet. A guard dog. Now might be the time for a dog. Certainly, a guard dog, or a service dog, might be of assistance.”
“I’m seriously considering it. Royce I’m not sure if I’m brave enough to help my children. I thought maybe getting a dog might be like a crutch for my own inability to sooth them.”
“Hertha said they love being with the pups and cats. They’d probably do great with their own pet. Antero and Vannie love it when they’re spending time with them. Because they always say how good the kids are with animals. And when they visit, all the kids enjoy going over to Molly’s Pantry.”
“Be sure to thank your mother for bringing all the meals, and goodies to our house, and to the hospital. Sam said she was also keeping the Sheriff’s Departments fed, too.”
“Not having to go out for nourishment gives us all a little extra time to chase clues.”
“Nothing more on the shooting?”
“No reports of either Kirk Dillard or his Ford truck. It seems like both have vanished.” Nick’s eyes batted and his cheek shivered. “Nick,” Royce said. He squeezed her hand. He then eased his hold again. When his eyes opened, it was only for seconds. He looked disoriented, and his gaze was unfocused. Then his eyes shut again.
Two nurses entered. “Time to medicate,” one instructed. “If you two will wait outside, we’ll come get you in a few minutes.”
Royce made an effort to take her hand from Nick’s. He began holding tighter. For a few moments, it was as if he had a hand hold on her. When he went limp, Royce removed her hand. As she and Bev went into the waiting room, Royce said, “He acted as if he didn’t want me leaving. But I’d better get back on duty.”
***
Outside the room, Terry was at her station with Chance at her side. “Chance is the perfect guard dog,” she told Royce.
“Nick brought Chance and I together.” Royce recalled the day Nick arrived back at the office with a midsized German shepherd at his side.
Royce was saddened. She wondered if Chance sensed that Nick was hurt. “I guess I’d better get back. But first, please be certain to write down anything he may say. If it sounds as if it might be pertinent to the case. Also please make the staff aware that they could help us if Nick says anything to identify the shooter.”
Terry chuckled. “The nurses’ station gals keep close-lipped. They gather together like a rugby scrum if we ask for medical information. But I’m betting they’d help very, very fast if Nick IDed someone. They’re a great bunch. I’m pretty sure their work is as hard as it gets. They’ve sure been giving Nick excellent care.” Terry swatted the air. “I almost forgot. The news reporters are having an inte
rview with the doctors, they said to ask you if you’d give the public and update on the investigation.”
Royce glanced at her watch. “Let them know I’m on my way down. But there isn’t much to tell. Only to have the public be on the lookout for the truck, and Dillard. And a hot woman.”
Royce went down to the lobby. She convinced the TV crew to allow her to be interviewed before the panel of medics. That, she knew from experience, could take half an hour. And all she had to say was what was said before. If she stretched it, it might make five minutes of news.
After the five-minute summery television news report was completed, Royce and Chance exited. No suspect information to share at this time. She wasn’t certain if the camerawoman was as sick of Royce saying the same thing as Royce was of saying it. She wished there was something. A break in the case.
When the medics began talking, it was also regurgitated information. Neuro muscular incapacitation from a projectile caused the unconsciousness. Minimal change in their speeches.
Royce would spend the afternoon checking out leads. She continued thinking of Nick, and the way he attempted to hold onto her. It perplexed her. Was it a sign, or merely a medical phenomenon? Medical – the doctors and nurses were doing all that they could. Royce knew that the citizens of Timber, and of Colorado were sending good wishes and prayers. The enforcers were taking double shifts, each woman and man connected with enforcement was giving their best.
After an afternoon of chasing ghosts, Royce returned to the Hogan house to pick up Vannie and Antero. She drove them home, answering questions about the TV reports that the children had seen. She recalled looking in the rearview mirror when she left. She’d waved. There was concern in the Hogan children’s eyes. They’d seen the TV report which was not encouraging. Royce told them that their dad was semi-awake. And that was a very good sign. That had seemed to brighten their spirits.
She did not tell them that Nick held her hand tightly. She didn’t know what it meant. But it certainly, perhaps falsely, encouraged Royce. Long ago, in their youth, she and Nick were indestructible. The badges they wore promised immortality. Their oath made them immune to death. Yet nothing was bullet proof.
***
Royce had just gotten to sleep when she heard a scuffle in the outside building. It was coming from the area of the cat hospital area. The light was on. Royce jumped into her denim pants and tucked her gun in her waistband. The dog and cat boarding kennels were attached to the back of the animal hospital, between house and hospital.
Passing by the kid’s rooms, she looked in. They were missing. Royce dashed toward the cat sanctuary. As she entered, with gun drawn, she saw Antero and Vannie. They were in the large cat room, where five cats were being boarded for the weekend. Antero had three cats in his lap, and one was in Vannie’s lap. The other was on the tree limb that was placed in the large room so that the kitties could play.
The sheriff went to the children and hugged them. “Are you two okay?”
Vannie explained, “We needed to check on the cats. Little Grey was tussling with Anjolie. And she’s doing her princess routine, and she began to cry. We came down so she’d be quiet.”
Amused, Royce smiled. “That was nice of you, but it’s after midnight.”
Immediately Antero began pointing. “Royce, this is Pixie. She’s a tabby. An American Shorthair. And she’s silver – Silver American.” He gulped in air before quickly continuing. “And Bootsy, here,” he pointed to his lap as he lectured, “is a Main Coon only with a coat of longer hair. He’s a brother to Anjolie, and he protects her.” Vannie held up Anjolie for demonstration purposes. “That’s Anjolie. She’s got some Turkish Angora and Maine Coon in her. Little Grey is sitting beside Anjolie. He’s lighter than a Main Coon, and he has a mostly feathery coat. More like a Turkish Angora. Chi is a Tiger-striped calico tabby. Chi likes it up in the little perch. Aren’t they all adorable?” Antero asked.
“Son, I think they’re magnificent. For now, everyone needs to sleep, and you two need to go back to bed.” Royce scratched her head. “How did you learn all about these kitties?”
“It’s all written on their records,” Vannie answered. “Antero reads all the records.”
“Good idea,” Royce muttered. “Nice to know the backstory of the patients.”
“Are you mad because we got up?” Antero asked.
“No. No, I was just concerned. When you want to get up, or go out, let your Mom know, or wake me. I just don’t want you two alone, okay?”
“Because the criminal might shoot us?” He asked.
“Because we always want to know where you are.” Royce’s arms went around their shoulders. “Your Mom and I are like Chi.” She pointed up to Chi, who was observing from the highest branch. “We want to keep our eyes on you two. Now, it’s time to let them sleep, and for you two to get your sleep.”
Royce was surprised that Antero knew so much about cats. And now, Royce felt as if she could I.D. any criminal cat, and write the mugshot description. Antero had given her a Cliff’s Notes version of feline identity. Plenty amazing, she thought.
The sheriff didn’t need to ask if the children were frightened. She knew they were. Just as Nick’s kids would always have that edge of fear because of their tragedy. The children of enforcers, soldiers, and other professions of danger – they knew. They understood the peril.
Chapter 6
Courtney and Lyle Dillard arrived shortly after Royce entered the Timber County Sheriff’s Department. She took them into her office. “Have you heard anything from Kirk?”
Lyle sat. “That’s why we’re here. Sheriff, I just got a phone call from my bank, credit card fraud department. You told me to contact them. Anyway, there’s been some use on Kirk’s credit card.” He handed her a slip of paper with names and numbers. Lyle explained, “A woman entered the Drop-On Buy convenience store the middle of the night. She loaded up on groceries. When they rang her through, she gave them the card. It went through. It’s on the credit card’s list that tells them to contact store, but not stop payment. Then they called us on the transaction, and alerted the store. I guess they were calling authorities, but I guess I contacted you first.”
“They leave the account open and that allows us to track movement,” Royce explained. Royce called Wanda. “Wanda, I’m certain you’ve got the alert by now. Contact the credit card company and make certain they are sending everything they have to our office and to Forensics. Then tell Forensics to check all the surveillance photos of the woman, and the outside of the car she was driving. Anything they can give us. STAT.”
“Will do, Sheriff.”
Royce stood. She addressed the Dillards, “Thank you for letting us know. If there’s anything else, please contact us. I’ll be in contact. I’m going to check out the Drop-On Buy now.”
Courtney moved slowly, deliberately. “Sheriff, I mentioned something to Lyle this morning.”
Lyle took her arm. “There’s no reason to mention it.”
“There might be,” Royce called after them, as they began down the aisle. “We’re looking everywhere.” Her words were staunch. “Mrs. Dillard, it is important, it’s time to tell everything that could help us.”
She pulled her arm away from Lyle. “Lyle, we’ve got a good post-divorce relationship. My God, I’m even staying in your apartment. But I’m my own woman now. Sheriff, Kirk is a quiet kid. That’s why we’re so worried. In high school some of the kids called him Dilly, and they bullied him. He’s not a sissy, or whatever,” she explained. “Lyle believes you’ll think Kirk is gay.” She blinked and then said, “Or maybe he took his own life.”
“Mrs. Dillard, I have no information that indicates he’s dead.” Royce’s face softened. She asked, “Any names of bullies?”
With contempt, Lyle answered, “Most in his high school classes bullied him. They resented our wealth. Kirk had everything. They were jealous of him. And he likes girls. Always has. If the people in this county hate me, that’s one thing.
He went away to college, and he was planning on going away now. He was tired of being called ‘Dilly’ and disrespected. He was meeting that woman. And she was a looker, he said.”
“Are you sure he didn’t describe her, other than she’s hot?”
“A hot blonde. Sorry, I’d forgotten about. He said she was a hot blonde.”
“Thanks for your help. When we get information about the woman in the convenience store, I’ll send it to you. You might know her.”
They walked away, taking stiffly pompous steps. Royce wondered why people hold back on their information. Their son had been missing for days. An enforcer was fighting for his life. Why was it that some people being interviewed left out many important statements?
She walked by the reception desk. “Wanda, when all the information from the bank comes in, please make certain that Forensics gets copies of all the emails. I’ll be at the Drop-On Buy convenience store.
***
The Drop-On Buy shop was located at the west side of Timber City. Many from Crystal stopped for their petrol, a few groceries, or sundries. Royce knew the woman clerk. Virginia Kern, the night clerk, usually got off at nine in the morning. But when she was called about the credit card, she waited around to meet with the sheriff. Royce was glad that she could talk with Virginia.
“Hey, Sheriff, we can go in the office so I can show you the security tapes,” Virginia spoke with her low, secretive voice.
“Great. Your company information has been sent to both the credit card company and to our Forensics unit. So maybe we can identify someone.”
When Royce and Virginia were seated the images were pulled up. Virginia gave her commentary as the tape played. “Here, she’s pulling in. She’s in a recent Dodge Challenger SXT. I know my cars. Study them for when I have a gas runner, I can ID the car.” She looked carefully. “They call that color IndiGo Blue.”