“You’re right. I just want this guy behind bars now.” Looking at his cell phone, he saw he had one voicemail. It was from Sam telling him they were in the parking lot out back and believed they’d seen Richard in the woods near the edge of the parking lot. They were keeping him distracted until they could finish and to please call her back when they were done. Dialing her number, the Sheriff realized their little diversion may have saved them from Richard making them his next victims.
“Good afternoon, Sheriff. I hope all is well.” Sam was smiling to herself and hoped he had good news for her.
“I’m glad you two don’t take orders. We found it and Calvin disabled it. We’re leaving it there. I’ll have this place watched tonight and tomorrow so hopefully we’ll pick him up when he wonders why his little surprise didn’t work. Now this is a direct order for you two to go home. I can’t have civilians running around playing detective, now, can I?” The Sheriff knew they were only trying to help and he was grateful for all he could get.
“Yes, Sir. We’re out of here. But if you need us, please call anytime.” Sam was sorry it was over, but then, it really wouldn’t be until Richard Greenway was behind bars far, far away.
She made one last call to tell Alex all was good and that they would meet them at home. She folded up the map and TJ said she would drive back the way they came. They figured Richard had gone back down in his hole since no movement had been spotted for over ten minutes. They hoped the Sheriff’s deputies would be able to grab him tonight.
As they drove back to pick up the truck, TJ was laughing at the ridiculous conversation they had trying to look like they were scouting the area for possible dig sights. When they arrived in front of the hardware store, TJ wanted to check back in at work just in case her father had a rush he needed help with. She would meet them all at Alex’s later and told Sam how much she enjoyed their little adventure today. Laughing to herself, Sam wished her good luck and hoped she was free to go home and change into cleaner clothes. As she walked into the hardware store, Sam could see by the expression on Jessie’s face that she was very happy to see her safely back.
“How’d it go?” Jessie and Carol were both anxious to hear.
“The Sheriff found what he was looking for. Now, he’ll set the trap and hopefully by this time tomorrow we will have caught ourselves a skunk and have enough on him to put him behind bars.” Sam hoped Carol’s husband could do everything legally possible to have him put away, for good. This was one twisted individual.
“Bob has a warrant out for his arrest as a suspected terrorist. It’s the best way to have him disappear without having to worry about loose ends.” Carol was happy the Patriot Act was good for something and not just a tool for snooping in everybody’s business.
“Excellent. Are you ready to leave?” Sam wanted to get home and wait for Alex so she could relay the events of the day.
“Absolutely, we need to get home and get dinner started for the troops.” Jessie was ready to go as it had been a long day for her and not that exciting.
Sam did a brief overview of the events, planning to go into more detail when Alex and Cyn were present. Not knowing what was going to happen tonight during the stakeout was going to drive her crazy. The criminology courses she took in junior college were coming back to her as well as the time she spent as a volunteer police officer back home. It was never anything she could talk about since she was going against her parents wishes, but now she was an adult and possibly she could get on as a volunteer with the Sheriff after all this was over. When her cell phone rang she was surprised to see the Sheriff’s number appear.
“Yes, Sheriff, what can I do for you?” Sam was hoping he needed her help tonight.
“Sam, I’m in bit of a bind. I hadn’t checked the roster for tonight and I’m going to be short handed. If you promise to call for backup if you see Richard enter the boiler room, would you take a shift tonight at the stakeout?” The Sheriff knew what the answer would be, but he wanted to make sure she heard him when he said call for backup.
“I’d love to. What time do you need me?” Sam was thrilled and hoped Alex would be too.
“Well, I hate to ask, but I need someone for the one to nine shift. But I figure it might also be the best time to catch him, considering in Alex’s dream she saw him in the morning.” The graveyard shift was always the hardest to get volunteers for and the Sheriff knew no one other than Sam would feel it was the best one to have.
“No problem. Where do you want me to meet your deputy?” Sam figured the Sheriff would be home at that hour.
“I’ll meet you in the parking lot in front of the school at quarter to one. Then we can go over the procedure I want you to follow if he shows up.” The Sheriff wanted to make sure it went off without a hitch if she did spot Richard entering the building.
“Sounds like a plan. I’ll see you then. Anything else I need to know?” Sam needed to get some rest even if it was just sitting on the couch.
“That’s it. See you then, and thanks.” The Sheriff was relieved he had it covered and knew Sam could be trusted to follow orders.
“You’re welcome.” Sam closed her phone and knew Jessie was going to want an explanation.
“What’s up, as if I didn’t already have a good idea?” Jessie could tell by Sam’s response that her part in this matter was far from over.
“The Sheriff needs me to take a shift watching the boiler room at Taylorwood tonight. All I have to do is call him if I see Richard go in. No problem.” Sam was hoping Jessie would not make a big deal about it to Alex.
“Take a shift. Are you on the payroll now?” Jessie wondered just how much help the Sheriff needed on this case.
“No, but the Sheriff is a little short handed for the stakeout. It’s not like he has a huge staff at his disposal. It’s a small town, remember?” Sam hoped that maybe there would be an opening one of these days.
“I see. So what do you think Alex will say when she finds out?” Jessie wanted to see how this new kink would be worked out.
“I hope she’s all right with it and is very supportive of my decision to do this.” Sam hoped she sounded this determined when she told Alex.
“You know, this may be your first fight. So be prepared.” Jessie knew Alex, and having Sam put herself in danger was not going to be taken well.
“Fight? Seriously? Do you think she’s going to get really mad?” Sam never wanted to have a fight with Alex, especially one this soon in their relationship.
“Sam, think about it. You’re putting yourself in harm’s way. Do you really think Alex will be thrilled you’re doing this for her? No. She’ll want you with her - safe and sound.” Jessie also knew Alex would want Cyn and Frederick with her too, if she had her way.
“No. You’re right. But I can’t just sit back and do nothing, and besides, I already told the Sheriff I would. I guess I need to think like someone who’s in a relationship again instead of being single. How do you suggest I tell her so she won’t get upset?” Sam needed Jessie’s years of knowing how Alex would react.
“Well, let me talk to her about it first. It won’t sound like you’re disregarding her feelings if I tell her how much you want to catch this guy tonight. I’ll play down the risks and play up the swiftness of his possible capture. Hopefully she’ll go for it. But I must prepare you for another option and that is, that she wants to go with you.” Jessie knew Alex and it was something that would be brought up.
“I thought of that too. I can’t say I wouldn’t do the same thing if I were in her place so if she asks I have to let her come. Otherwise, you’re right, we’ll have our first big fight and I’ll probably lose it and the girl if I stand my ground. Will you jump in and save me before I say something I may regret later?” Sam was beginning to think the best tactic would be to just ask Alex if she wanted to come along and then hope she declined.
“I’ll try, but don’t make a big deal of it if she wants to go with you. If you act like it’s not going to be any
thing big she may just decide to stay home and get some sleep. But if she offers, be enthusiastic and everything should be all right.” Jessie knew this little trick had worked a few times for her in the past, but sometimes it didn’t. Hopefully Alex wouldn’t recognize the plan and Sam would be allowed to go alone.
Pulling up, Sam jumped out and opened the garage so Jessie could pull in. Alex would be arriving in a little more than an hour with Cyn. The sound of a truck coming up the driveway announced the arrival of TJ. She had a bag in her arms and a big smile on her face. She’d picked up steaks and onions hoping for a barbecue and mini celebration. Staying outside with Sam, they prepared the charcoal while Jessie went in. She wanted to have everything ready before Alex and Cyn arrived so they could all have a nice, relaxing dinner.
Chapter 38
Walking out of class, Alex wanted to go check the boiler room, but knew she needed to get going and leave just like she did every day. Cyn met her at the car and wanted to get home so she could call TJ. Being informed that everyone was meeting at Alex’s place to hear how it went, the women could only speculate what had happened while they were teaching. Just being grateful that everyone was all right was what was foremost in their minds. Cyn was wishing her relationship with TJ was further along. She would love to give her a big hug and kiss when she arrived. Alex was anxious for everyone. Not having Richard actually behind bars was not helping her.
When they pulled up the driveway, everyone was out sitting around the barbecue. It wasn’t exactly the best weather but everyone was in a summertime mood. Getting out, both women were met with a glass of iced tea. Alex received a kiss on the lips from Sam, as Cyn received one on the cheek from TJ. Alex and Cyn then went in to change. Cyn was able to wear Alex’s clothes which was helpful. Both emerged in jeans and sweatshirts as the charcoals were almost ready, but Alex needed to hear about Sam and TJ’s day so dinner was put on hold for the moment. Listening to every detail, Alex was trying not to act like a worrywart, but she was very anxious as the events of the day were retold. Jessie got up and asked Alex to help her bring out the food. She needed to get her alone so she could tell her about the stakeout and Sam’s part in it. Trying to be very matter of fact, Jessie laid out the plan and waited for Alex to react.
“Does she really want to do this?” Alex was trying to respect Sam’s independence, but also wanted her not to go.
“Of course. She wants to do what she can to get this guy. You two should talk it over, but let her bring it up. I just wanted to give you some time to think about it.” Jessie would give Sam a nod so she would know she’d brought the subject up.
“Thanks, Jess. I appreciate the heads up.” Alex hoped this would go easily and that Sam would understand her concerns, but she also wanted her to make the decision whether to go or not.
As TJ took the platter with the steaks, Cyn and Jessie took charge of cooking the onions so Sam could have some alone time with Alex. Giving her the nod, Jessie motioned to her to take her place inside with Alex so they could talk.
Walking up behind Alex, as she was preparing the salad, Sam nuzzled her neck and kissed it softly. Sam couldn’t see that she was crying and trying to get it under control. Alex turned around quickly before she could see the tears and kissed Sam on the neck, and pulled her tight.
“Listen, Darlin’. I have a favor to ask.” Sam was hoping this was going to be easy.
“Anything for you, lover. Just ask and I’ll do what I can.” Alex didn’t want Sam to know Jessie had told her what it was.
“The Sheriff needs some help tonight with the stakeout at Taylorwood and I offered to take the graveyard shift. I know I should have asked you first, but he needed an answer right away.” Sam hoped she would appreciate her thinking about her feelings.
Alex couldn’t talk, as she loved the fact that Sam would think about her at a time like this, and appreciated her wanting to help catch this creep. Sam could feel Alex softly crying and held on to her tightly, trying to reassure her she would be fine.
“I just found you and I know I’m being irrational but I can’t help but freak out at the fact you’ll be in danger. So I’m going to ask a favor of you. Can I go along? I promise to be on my best behavior and do exactly as you say.” Alex wanted to be with Sam but didn’t want her to think she was clingy. “Of course you can. I can’t see anything bad happening with Anna watching over us.” Sam knew she was going with her and no more would be said about it.
“Thank you.” Alex cupped Sam’s face in her hands as she gently kissed her, wanting to remember this moment forever.
“Okay. So we keep this between us. I don’t want TJ volunteering because then Cyn will want to come along too. It’s just you, me and Anna.” The less people to worry about, the better, and Sam was going to worry about Alex all night.
“Deal. Now get back out there and give a yell if they’re ready to eat. Then I’ll bring the salad.” Alex didn’t want to let go of Sam, but she knew that whatever happened tonight would happen whether she wanted it to or not.
Jessie could tell by Sam’s expression that Alex was going along, so now she would worry about the two of them. Although she knew they weren’t going to do anything stupid to put themselves in danger, there was still the unknown of Richard Greenway to factor into the equation. Jessie hoped Anna would keep them both safe and this whole thing would be resolved tonight with his capture.
Looking out her window at the group of women she was so fortunate to have in her life, Alex couldn’t help but think positive thoughts about tonight. But she did have mixed feelings about it all, and knew there were going to be a few bumps in this stretch of road. She wondered where Anna was and hoped she was enjoying her evening with Ramon as well as being aware of the plans for later. She decided to go into their room and give them the 411 on the whole plan.
As Alex walked in, a warm feeling came over her like it had the few times she had gone into the crafts room at the ranch to talk to her. Picking up their picture, she knew Anna could hear her as she laid out the plan and asked them both if they could help end Richard’s little plan of revenge on her friends. She then heard someone coming through the back door so she kissed the picture and went to see if dinner was ready. She suddenly had a huge appetite and was craving Jessie’s onions.
Sam was coming to get her and the salad. They met in the middle of the small living room where Alex pulled Sam into a tight hug and a playful kiss before leading her back to the kitchen. She handed Sam the salad, pulled out a variety of dressings from the refrigerator and followed her out.
The meal was another huge success, but was over too quickly. Cyn and TJ cleared the plates and hurried off to the kitchen. Alex smiled and commented that they must have plans for the rest of the evening. Jessie smiled and said she heard them talking about popcorn and watching an old black and white movie on television. Alex didn’t mind, as she and Sam needed to get a nap in before they went to the stakeout. Walking back in, she stopped Cyn and TJ from doing the dishes. Since they had cooked the meal, not to mention bought it, she would clean up the kitchen. Both women gave her a hug and “thanks” and headed for their cars, but paused to say their goodbyes to Jessie, who was leaving tomorrow. She wouldn’t see them again until her next visit or theirs to New Mexico.
Alex wished she had more quality time to spend with Jessie, but until she could rest easy that everyone was safe to come and go as they pleased, she was glad she would soon be safe back home with Dawson. Sam carried in the last of the dishes and picked up a towel since Alex had already rinsed and washed the pile Cyn and TJ had started. Mentioning a nap before they left, Alex continued to wash and then took over drying from Sam, so she could go out and clean up the barbeque. Jessie brought in the remaining items that needed to be put in the refrigerator.
“So, what’s the plan for you two tonight?” Jessie didn’t want Alex to know she already had a good idea.
“Sam’s letting me go along. I know she’s a big girl and can take care of herself, but thi
s is all happening because of me, Jess. I need to help any way I can.” Alex hoped Jessie would understand as it was something she would do herself if the roles were reversed.
“I know. I just hope you two remember the reason you’re doing it. If Sam asks you to do something tonight remember that she wants you safe. She’s handled her fair share of trouble in the past so don’t think this is the first time.” Jessie knew someday Sam would have to tell Alex about her life after she got out of high school – when she hung with the wrong type of people for a few years.
“Really? I guess we’ll have plenty of time to talk tonight about our pasts.” Trouble was never anything Alex got into when she was young, only because she was a loner who worked, studied for school, and took care of her grandfather she didn’t have the time.
“Please, let her bring up her past. It’s a part of her life she’s not proud of. I guess that’s why she worries about her parents so much. You know, the guilt from what she put them through during that time.” Jessie had just realized that after all these years.
The conversation was ended when Sam walked through the door and realized they had been discussing her. Grabbing a towel to dry off the last of the dishes, she felt she could talk freely about their plans as Jessie had to know by now.
“I’ve been thinking about tonight and the logistics of getting you to school tomorrow. Were you going to bring your clothes so you could change at school and should we call Cyn and tell her you don’t need a ride in the morning?” Sam figured it was going to be a very long day for Alex if she was up all night.
“That will work. Although if we call Cyn now, TJ will know the plan. Jess, if you don’t mind can you tell Cyn tomorrow when she comes by and explain my reasons for not telling her earlier. Sam will be done with the stakeout and can come back to take you to the airport. But, Sam, if you think you’ll be too tired, then I can call a shuttle to pick Jessie up at school if you could bring her back there.” Alex hated all these complications and wondered if she should stay home, and stick to her routine and have this last evening with Jessie.
but, mercury's not in retrograde! Page 21