Wounded Badge Vista

by Kieran York

  Terry took the sheriff ’s arm. “The killer wanted to murder you.”

  “So it would seem.” Royce’s frown deepened. “Nick talked this murderer into taking him to be killed instead of me. The guy wanted to kill me.”

  “That may be the reason the killer has stayed in the area,” Terry’s voice was stressed. “He wants to kill you. Maybe,” she reasoned, “the guy thought he would kill Nick. That would make you nervous and reckless. Easier to kill.”

  Whoever the attempted killer was, he was familiar with Timber County. He knew the place most revered by enforcers. He was aware of the meaning of killing a sheriff or deputy at that monument.

  Royce felt broken. It should have been her taking those two bullets.

  ***

  Royce notified Sam, and then she drove over to Lyle Dillard’s apartment. Both Courtney and Lyle were there. They immediately said that they’d never seen the woman in the new photos. The woman on the posters.

  Royce slowly took the phone from her pocket.

  “I’d like you to hear a conversation, and verify it if you can identify the voice.” She put the phone on speaker.

  The Dillards immediately shook their heads. “That’s not our son. That isn’t Kirk. He’s giving our son’s license number.”

  Somehow realizing that their son was either a hostage, or dead, Courtney began to fall. Both Royce and Lyle eased her onto the sofa.

  “We don’t know who it is,” Lyle proclaimed. “What has he done with our son?”

  “We’ll do everything to find out,” Royce answered.

  “Do you think the man will make an attempt on your life?” It had suddenly occurred to Courtney that the target had now become Royce.

  “I…” Royce swallowed. “I’m presuming that I’ve got to take care.” She minimized her fear. “I’m hoping that the shooter will want to trade me for your son. I hope that your son is okay.”

  Royce returned to her vehicle. Beside it was parked a patrol car. She walked toward it. The deputy said, “Hey, Sheriff. I have orders that I’m to work with you.”

  “Who gave you orders?” She paused. “Well, who did?”

  “I was assigned by Acting Undersheriff Sam Dawson.”

  “Look, you know we’re short-handed.”

  He clamped his jaw. “I’m taking my orders from my immediate supervisor. Sam is the Acting Undersheriff. I’m taking his orders.” Scanning the area, he asked, “Where are we going?”

  “Let’s go have a word with Sam.”

  ***

  Royce stormed into the Crystal Sheriff’s Office. “Sam, we haven’t got the manpower. Reassign your deputy immediately.”

  Feigning a grimace, Sam teased, “Royce, I didn’t want to disturb you about this, so I contacted Gwen Ives. She’s the Mayor and was City Council President for decades. Some folks claim she runs the town. And she’s got your Gran’s phone number. And the D.A. claims that your Gran runs you. You want my decision reversed. You see Gwen Ives.”

  Royce stomped away. To the deputy, she ordered, “You’re reassigned back to your previous duty.”

  “Sam said you’d say that.”

  “And now I’ve said it.” Royce glared.

  “He said you’d say that, too. And he said I was to follow you in a less conspicuous way if you were uncooperative.” He tipped his Stetson and returned to his patrol car.

  Royce looked over at Chance. Tears forged into her eyes. She felt a sudden chill. Nick knew that Royce had been the one that the man intended to kill. She’d been the target. That was why he held on to her hand so tightly. He wanted to warn her.

  He had taken her bullets, and didn’t want her murdered.

  Her tears flooded. She hugged Chance.

  She recalled the stories of how her life began. She’d been a twin. Her twin brother had suffocated, and she had used the womb’s air. He had died, and she had been delivered because he had left air for her.

  Now, the man she considered a brother on earth - now he had possibly been offered up for her.

  Chapter 9

  The Times office was filled with emotional static.

  “When were you planning on telling Hertha about this?” Gwen sat back in her office chair, then put her eyeglasses on. “Or were you?”

  “She’s got enough on her plate. The kids, her business, and consideration about what she’s going to do about her heredity. Gwen, she’s got too much going on. And who gave you the right to have my deputies reassigned, and ordered to follow me?”

  “Settle down. We were told about the phone call. The potential killer, the guy that nearly killed Nick – he was gunning for you, originally. That’s important information, Royce.”

  “Maybe the guy just wanted to kill a sheriff. A power ego thing. I don’t know. Maybe he’s gone by now.”

  “That’s the problem. He and Mimic Maiden are looking for the opportunity to kill you.” Gwen was troubled. Her fingers combed through her hair. She was agitated, with deep frustration. She stood over her desk, and rested her hands to lean on them. “I don’t understand why I was put in a situation like this. As mayor, I’m supposed to rely on my sheriff, the county’s sheriff, to be cautious.”

  “It doesn’t take a crime spree to jeopardize the lives of sheriffs and deputies. We’re fully visible every moment we are alive. I do take care.”

  “Royce, you grew up like a daughter to me. My best-friend’s daughter. Can’t you realize that I love you as if you’re my own. I don’t want to think about anything happening to you. Your mother, my best friend, lost her husband. Now you’re threatened to turn down protection. She could lose her daughter. It’s a dangerous world.”

  “Timber County was bound to become more dangerous as the area sees more growth, crime will get worse. Crystal is larger, and is bringing even more people with shady ways. When I put this badge on, I agreed to take it for better or worse. Some days it’s better; some are worse. But I’m all in, no matter.”

  “You know that, and you should know that you’ve got to be cautious. There are cop killers in every single corner of the country. We’re all concerned about you?”

  “I suppose you told my mother and grandmother.” Royce’s voice cracked. “I didn’t want them to worry.”

  “Come on, Royce. We’re keeping it from the public. But Molly and Gran have a right to know.”

  Grimly, Royce asked, “Is Mom okay?”

  “Hell’s bells, no. What mother would be okay if she heard a criminal was threatening to gun down her only child?” Gwen turned away.

  “I’m sorry, Gwen. I know you’re worried, too.”

  Her lengthy sigh was legendary. “I forgive you. But you’ve got to realize the seriousness of this. Without a bodyguard it’s kinda like you’ve got an empty holster. I worry.”

  “Don’t. Please. We’re all doing everything we can.”

  “The phone call, could you identify the voice?” Gwen artfully switched topics.

  “No. I don’t think I’ve heard it before. But voice identity is difficult. His voice was neutral, and he definitely hid it. Although it wasn’t as disguised as the other sampling, it was immediately disputed by his parents. They would know if anyone would. He sounded like all the guys I’ve been interrogating. A male voice being modified – sounding like a different man. It sounds like Lyle Dillard, Wyatt, Bart Newton, Claude Myers aka Lee Claude Mayers, Duffy McCord, Spuds Flanigan, and the latest on the list – Richard - The Troubadour.” Royce eased back in her chair. She tickled Chance’s ears. Her mind was anguished as if it were nothing more than a million blank pages. “Most of them have alibis.”

  Gwen’s laugh interrupted the sheriff’s thought. She shook as she giggled. “I have an alibi. Several thousand in the county are also with alibis.” Her laugh shut down. Her eyes narrowed, and she spoke with authority. “But someone doesn’t have an alibi because he shot an undersheriff. The deal is, someone is out to get you.” Hesitating, she attempted to change the topic. “About Richard the Troubadour. Nadine i
nsisted I go to the Bell Ringer the other night. Dang, she was right about that entertainer, Richard. His piano playing is great. Hell’s bells, I might have to become a regular of the Bell Ringer. I might have to even pretend I like Faye the Proprietress. Get chummy with those old fetchers, Faye.”

  Royce snickered. “I enjoy his performance, too. I’ll take the kids over to see him when things calm down.” She paused, pondering. “I’m pretty sure Richard’s voice wasn’t on the phone call. I’d call him the least likely. Yet even with Richard’s British accent, I can’t swear it wasn’t him changing up the cadence and accent. And he’s one with an alibi.” Royce rubbed her forehead. “A little deeper voice and you’ve got Lyle Dillard or Claude Myers.”

  “You’re laughing again. Royce, I’m glad you forgive me for my suggestion, well actually demand, to Sam about having a guard. It wasn’t Sam’s fault. He wanted to talk it over with you.”

  Royce smiled, “And you told my family. Hertha was very upset. She said the family was already under surveillance. Now, I’ve got a shadow. But it will just be until I find the monster that did this to Nick.”

  “How is Nick?”

  “Bev said she’d call if there was a problem with the latest shoulder surgery. And we haven’t heard from her. Nick is in good condition. And he’s resilient. Tough. He just is. Most people see him as good natured. But he gets serious about enforcing, and he’ll tear you to pieces. Being an enforcer means traveling with that universal hatred that uses a ‘dirty copper’ umbrella for all lawmen and women. Criminals and would-be criminals believe that we all wear a bent badge. They believe that. The memorial at Wounded Badge is mostly a list of those prejudged men and women.”

  “Royce, take care. This shooter is a criminal and no one seems to know who or where he might be. He’s an invisible man. And the Mimic Maiden, we even have a photo, is like a ghost. No one recognizes her. They could be anyone at any place. And don’t go anywhere without your tagalong.”

  “Chance is my attack deputy.”

  “So, let me clarify. Don’t go anywhere without your backup deputy.”

  ***

  “Come on, Chance,” Royce called to her favorite deputy. They entered Molly’s Pantry. “Mom, I’m sorry I didn’t call last night.”

  Molly’s face was wound tightly. “Royce, I heard about the call on Nick’s phone. I should know about things like this. Please take care. You’ve frightened me beyond what a person can be frightened. Can’t you and Hertha take the kids and go on a vacation?” Molly dusted some flour from her hands. “I need to know you’re safe.”

  “Law enforcement isn’t a safe occupation, Mom. I know you’re concerned. But I’ll be fine.”

  Molly reached up, hugging her daughter tightly. “Your Gran and I love you. And you’ve got your family now.”

  “I’ve got to find Nick’s shooter, I feel as though he’s my family, too. And I can’t do that anywhere other than Timber. Please don’t worry. When a person’s a cop,” Royce gave a tight grin and continued, “death is a risk.”

  “Gran called earlier. Debra’s been attempting to calm her down. Her grandson is District Attorney, and on TV, they have enemies, too.”

  “Mom, we’re all doing the best we know how. If I ever am murdered, I would hope it would be with my badge on my chest.”

  “Royce, I don’t want you harmed. What have you got planned for today?”

  “I’d like to outrun my shadow. But we’ve trained our deputies too efficiently to be lost. They’re rotating shifts. Anyway, I want to take a list of leads. And chase the best leads.”

  Royce walked to the door. “I’ll be careful, Mom.”

  She gave a quick nod when she saw her deputy of the day. She smiled and gave him a wave. She was being sequestered from danger by Deputy Ted. “Hey, Sheriff,” Ted called her.

  ***

  Royce invited the deputy to accompany her in the SUV, rather than have two vehicles going to the same place. Ted, a new recruit, appeared competent. The talk was sparse. She figured he was like most recently sworn in deputies; they don’t want to say anything wrong to their boss. He was polite, and he’d always impressed her. “Ted, I apologize for yesterday.”

  His smile bloomed. “I haven’t heard a sheriff apologize. But I see how you were feeling. We want to find this shooter, and the more boots and suits out there looking, the better chance we have. But Sheriff, when a life is in danger, we’ve to protect.”

  “As I’m certain you’re learning, crime stopping can take diligence. It’s nothing like TV shows. Our survival depends on being fully engaged. Every moment. We need to hold our cool when getting spit on, disrespected, or targeted.”

  “I’m seeing that now. It’s also like were fighting with service revolvers or small pistols, and the criminal is boosting their semi-automatic weapons with thirty round magazines.”

  “Let’s roll,” the sheriff threw him the keys. “And let’s hope we don’t have to worry about shootouts.”

  First on her list was to stop by the vagrant community. Claude had a record, and a name change. Those two items were accompanied with red warning labels. Claude hated most people. But this particular morning, he was drinking coffee, and stirring a pot of vegetables and stew meat.

  When Ted and Royce walked toward him, he turned and grunted. “Duffy and Spuds gone to town. What you want?”

  “Let’s talk about your reason for the name change. And your record.”

  “I didn’t try to shoot nobody.” His eyes appeared to be steaming with hatred. “You come out here to hassle me for nothin’. No wonder people hate you sheriff’s guts.”

  “Answers, to my question. Then Claude, we’ll leave you alone.”

  “You probably seen my rap sheet. Auto theft and a little assault. Burglary II – I broke into a business.”

  Royce asked, “And how about your name change?”

  “I just rearranged it a little. I can’t get a job sweeping up when people find out I’m a felon. So how am I supposed ta clean up when I’m broke?”

  “I wish I knew. Keep trying. I heard they are looking for maintenance folks over at the Crystal Lodge.” She paused. Her eyes reflected sadness for the human condition. “Have you seen any strangers up here? A man and woman.”

  “Spuds Flanigan is strange.” He hooted a long laugh.

  Royce joined him laughing. “Spuds tells me you’re the ornery one.”

  “Naw, I don’t go lookin’ for trouble and I don’t want no trouble.”

  “If you see anything shady, or suspicious,” Royce paused, “Anything shadier than Spuds, let me know. And keep an eye on that campfire. Make sure it’s out. Fire danger is twelve months a year. Got me? We all love this forest. And take care of yourself.”

  “Yep.” He turned his back on Royce and Ted. They walked away.

  Ted gave a pinched groan. As they climbed into the Interceptor, there was somberness in his words. “My favorite uncle ended up kicked to death in an alley.”

  “By a homeless man?”

  “Yes. And my uncle was also a homeless man. He was always happy-go-lucky. Married my aunt when they were young. Found out they couldn’t have children. So, he treated my sisters and I like we were his. Fun times. But a couple years ago, my aunt died of cancer. He was with her through the end. He said he’d never find that kind of love again. My uncle really lost it. He’d spent all his money hospital bills. He even sold the house. He lost his job so he could care for my aunt. After she died, he’d been on the street for about a year. My parents would bail him out and get him into rehab. But it didn’t work. Time and time again the family would try to save him. To no avail. Finally, a gang of homeless kids, all doped up, tried to steal his money. He gave them everything. Except they tried to take his wedding ring. He fought then. And they knifed him.”

  “I’m sorry, Ted. Did they find the killers?”

  “No. Maybe I’m searching out the killers. Or just making life safer.”

  “Making life safer, that’s all we c
an do.” Royce put her hand on his arm.

  “I’m glad you treated that guy with respect. You didn’t roust him around.”

  “I’m here to serve and protect,” the sheriff said softly.

  She was aware that it was becoming a frantic, sad, and dangerous world. A world of not loving one another. She had no idea how to break the shackles of violence.

  ***

  Checking out, after a day of running leads that were weak, and nonexistent, Royce dropped by the D.A.’s Office.

  Mike looked up from his desk. “Up to my elbows with misdemeanors. I’m determined to win a conviction. Maybe issue a summons for harassment.”

  The sheriff laughed. I’ll try to arrest more disorderly conducts, Mike.”

  “It actually sometimes takes more court time when we work on the petty theft than the bank robberies.”

  “Just like it sometimes is more difficult to apprehend a jaywalker than a high-speed chase.”

  He rubbed his eyes. “So, there’s no sideroads in the attempted murder. Just pictures of a woman no one knows, and a voice no one has heard.”

  “We have no suspects,” Royce grumbled. “No evidence. I’m thinking it was a hitman. But I haven’t found any ties between this and the convicts that we’ve captured and sent to prison. There were threats from some of them.”

  “The hitman theory crossed my mind. Your record for arresting serious criminals has been epic over the last couple decades. You should have more potential enemies that Nick had. There is that. You’ve expanded the unhappy prisoner base.”

  Royce issued her look of mock disgust. “I’m so very thrilled to have so many enemies. I just can’t help myself,” she bantered with discouragement. “One thing was gleaned from Nick’s phone. Also, it was what we already suspected, the voice on Nick’s phone did not belong to Kirk. The Dillards definitely IDed it as not belonging to their son. Or anyone they’ve ever known. I think they’re braced for the worst.”

  “So am I,” Mike said with a shake of his head. “Unless the kid has been hijacked, and left alive, I’d say someone borrowed his identity to use in shooting a sheriff.” His eyebrows rose. “That could be a little cop gallows humor. They’d have loved that back in Chicago.”